What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
riff
Example
The guitarist played a catchy riff that got everyone dancing. [riff: noun]
Example
She riffed on the piano for hours, coming up with new melodies and ideas. [riffed: verb]
phrase
Example
The singer delivered the phrase with such emotion that it brought tears to my eyes. [phrase: noun]
Example
He phrased his argument in a way that was both persuasive and concise. [phrased: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Phrase is more commonly used than riff in everyday language, as it has a broader range of meanings beyond music. In music, both terms are used frequently but riff is more commonly associated with rock, blues, and jazz music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between riff and phrase?
Both riff and phrase are informal terms used primarily in musical contexts. However, phrase can also be used in formal writing and speech when referring to grammatical units.
