student asking question

When do you say "phrase" and when "expression"? Is there any difference in meaning between the two?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

There is a difference, yes! A "phrase" is a group of words. An expression is a phrase that's an idiom~ it means something different than what it is. So, you could call "expressions" "phrases," but you couldn't call all "phrases" "expressions." Ex: She's running as fast as she can. => phrase Ex: Horror movies aren't my cup of tea. => expression and phrase Ex: I don't like horror movies. => phrase

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