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phrase structure

phrase structure

6.0
The order and grouping of words in a sentence that make parts like the subject and verb
  • noun
  • /freɪz ˈstrʌk.tʃər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : estructura de la frase
  • Do not forget to incorporate the ideas about phrase structure that have already been covered.
  • rhythm and phrase structure
  • harmony and phrase structure

Examples

  • A clear grasp of phrase structure is essential for learning complex grammatical concepts in any language.

  • The third activity, conversations, allows students to develop an understanding of phrase structure, call-and-response form, various articulations and dynamic levels, and voice leading.

    Academic text (2006)
  • It's vital to discuss with your students the musical factors, such as harmonic rhythm, phrase structure, and motivic patterns, that help to establish the meter.

    Academic text (2006)
  • This discussion uncovers prior learning such as phrase structure (same, different, similar) and AB form (verse, chorus) in known song material.

    Academic text (2015)
  • For example, perceiving meter requires the listener to consider the interaction of melody, harmony, rhythm, and phrase structure.

    Academic text (2006)
  • They look at the key signature, time signature, dynamic markings, phrase structure, and any possible trouble spots lurking on the page.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Finally, our highest goal should be to teach students how to synthesize the aural information provided by meter, harmony, melody, and phrase structure into an informed, meaningful listening experience.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Once students can successfully play the blues scale, ascending and descending, for the entire range of their instrument (not just one octave), they can move on to the study of phrase structure.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Studying phrase structure helps students understand how words combine to create meaningful sentences.

  • When analyzing literature, one must consider the phrase structure to appreciate the author's intended meaning.

Synonyms

syntax
vsphrase structure
  • Specialized
32 5.4

Rules that tell how to put words into sentences or how to write computer code

concerns the actual arrangement of words and groups rather than rule sets
construction
vsphrase structure
  • Specialized
27 5.1

A group of words joined in a particular order to make a phrase or sentence

emphasizes arranging words and groups into broader structural units rather than just pattern
sentence structure
vsphrase structure
4 2.8

The order of words and groups of words used to make sentences

focuses more narrowly on grouping words into phrase units inside sentences
word order
vsphrase structure
  • Specialized
1 1.6

The way words are put in a sentence to show who does what

considers grouping and hierarchy beyond just the sequence of words
grammatical construction
vsphrase structure
  • Specialized
4.0

A group of words in a sentence that work together to show one idea

focuses on arranging such groups into larger structural parts within a sentence

How Complex

phrase structure
  • Specialized
6.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

phrase + structure

The compound meaning is directly derivable from combining 'phrase' (a group of words) with 'structure' (how parts are organized): together they naturally denote the organization of phrases in a sentence. This straightforward noun‑noun compositional pattern is cross‑linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would very likely infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

The term phrase structure comes from a simple building image: a phrase is like a block and the structure is how the blocks fit together in a sentence. That's why it means the 'arrangement of words' or 'groups of words' inside a sentence.