Banner

What is a phrase? Well, A phrase is a group of words that work together to convey a particular meaning and do not contain a subject and a verb. Phrases are used in sentences to provide additional information and modify the nouns or verbs in the sentence. They help to express ideas more clearly and provide more detail to the sentence.

Types of Phrases in the English Language

There are several types of phrases, including

  1. Noun Phrase – contains a noun and other words that modify or describe it.
  2. Verb Phrase – contains a verb and other words that help to complete the meaning of the verb.
  3. Adjective Phrase – modifies a noun or pronoun and describes its attributes.
  4. Adverb Phrase – modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb and describes how, when, or where the action is performed.
  5. Infinitive Phrase – begins with the word “to” and functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
  6. Gerund Phrase – contains a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun) and any related objects or modifiers.
  7. Participle Phrase – contains a participle (a verb form used as an adjective) and any related objects or modifiers.
  8. Prepositional Phrase – begins with a preposition and includes a noun or pronoun that is the object of the preposition.

Also Read: Learn to Speak Like a Pro with English Speaking Practice Exercises: Speak English Fluently

Examples of 20 Phrases with Their Meanings and Sentences

Here are 20 common phrases with their meanings and example sentences:

Bite the bullet – to face a difficult or unpleasant situation courageously

  1. Example: “I knew I had to bite the bullet and ask for a raise.”

Break the ice – to start a conversation or make people feel comfortable

  1. Example: “I asked her a few questions to break the ice before the meeting started.”

Cut to the chase – to get to the point without wasting time

  1. Example: “Can we cut to the chase and talk about the real reason you’re here?”

Cry over spilt milk – to feel sad or regretful about something that cannot be changed

  1. Example: “There’s no use crying over spilt milk, let’s focus on what we can do now.”

Give someone the benefit of the doubt – to trust or believe someone despite a lack of proof

  1. Example: “I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and assume she had a good reason for being late.”

A picture is worth a thousand words – a visual image can convey a message more effectively than words

  1. Example: “The photo of the damaged city after the earthquake was worth a thousand words and showed the extent of the devastation.”

Put all your eggs in one basket – to focus all your resources or efforts on one thing

  1. Example: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket and risk losing everything, diversify your investments.”

Make hay while the sun shines – to take advantage of a favorable opportunity

  1. Example: “We need to make hay while the sun shines and start preparing for the next project now.”

Put your foot in your mouth – to say something foolish or embarrassing

  1. Example: “I put my foot in my mouth and told a joke that no one laughed at.”
  2. Read between the lines – to understand the implicit meaning of something, rather than its surface meaning
  3. Example: “If you read between the lines, it’s clear that he’s unhappy with the current situation.”
  5. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush – it’s better to have something certain than to risk losing it for something uncertain
  6. Example: “I’d rather take the job offer I have now, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
  7. The ball is in your court – it’s someone else’s turn to take action or make a decision
  8. Example: “I’ve given you my proposal, now the ball is in your court to decide.”
  9. A taste of your own medicine – to experience the same unpleasant thing that you have done to others
  10. Example: “After years of being mean to others, he finally got a taste of his own medicine when people stopped talking to him.”
  11. Cost an arm and a leg – to be very expensive. Example: “I really wanted that car, but it would have cost me an arm and a leg, so I had to settle for something less fancy.”
  12. Kill two birds with one stone – to achieve two things with a single effort. Example: “By combining the two events, we’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone and save time and money.”
  13. Burn the midnight oil – to work late into the night. Example: “I have to burn the midnight oil if I want to finish this project on time.”
  14. Put your best foot forward – to try your best and make a good impression. Example: “I’m going to put my best foot forward and impress the boss with my presentation skills.”
  15. Kill two birds with one stone – to achieve two things with a single effort. Example: “By combining the two events, we’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone and save time and money.”
  16. Burn the midnight oil – to work late into the night. Example: “I have to burn the midnight oil if I want to finish this project on time.”
  17. Put your best foot forward – Try your best and make a good impression. Example: “I’m going to put my best foot forward and impress the boss with my presentation skills.”
  18. Barking up the wrong tree – to make a mistake by pursuing a wrong idea or solution. Example: “If you think she stole your wallet, you’re barking up the wrong tree, she was with me all morning.”
  19. Out of the blue – suddenly and unexpectedly. Example: “Out of the blue, she announced she was quitting her job to travel the world.”
  20. A drop in the bucket – a small, insignificant amount compared to what is needed. Example: “The donation we made was just a drop in the bucket, but every little bit helps.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are just a few examples of common phrases used in everyday language. Understanding their meanings and how to use them can improve communication and add depth to one’s vocabulary.

Also Read: Future Tense in English Grammar: Let’s Discuss Some Examples, Rules and Usage

Improve English