What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
syntagm
Example
The syntagm 'the big red apple' functions as a noun phrase in the sentence. [syntagm: noun]
Example
The syntagm 'to be or not to be' is a famous example of a balanced syntagm in literature. [syntagm: noun]
phrase
Example
The phrase 'in the morning' modifies the verb 'wake up' in the sentence. [phrase: noun]
Example
The phrase 'to be or not to be' is a famous example of a rhetorical question in literature. [phrase: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Phrase is more commonly used than syntagm in everyday language. Phrase is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while syntagm is a more technical term used primarily in linguistic analysis.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between syntagm and phrase?
Syntagm has a more formal and technical connotation, while phrase is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
