Idiom vs. Phrase

synonyms

This time, we're gonna focus a bit more on grammatical words. I'm sure you've come across these two words at least once. Let's learn about them.

"Idiom" vs. "Phrase" in the English Grammar

What Is Their Main Difference?

They both refer to a chain of words that have a particular meaning. An 'idiom', however, refers to a saying that has a metaphor and you have to read between the lines in order to understand its meaning. A 'phrase', on the other hand, refers to a chain of words that are part of a clause or a sentence.

Differences

A phrase is a grammatical unit that is comprised of different words chained together. We have five types of 'phrases' in the English language that are 'noun phrases', 'verb phrases', 'adjective phrases', 'adverb phrases', and 'prepositional phrases'. Each phrase is determined by its head. Phrases do not have a subject and a verb and they also do not have complete meanings. Look at the examples below:

Listening to music → Noun phrase

Go to the bathroom → Verb phrase

Stylish woman → Adjective phrase

Very carefully → Adverbial phrase

In the group → Prepositional phrase

An 'idiom', on the other hand, refers to a chain of words that come together to convey a particular meaning. If you separate these words, they will not have the same meaning as they did in the idiom. 'Idioms' are said to have come from different stories in the past. They have metaphorical meanings. Look at the following examples:

Mom said: 'Don't beat around the bush!'

As you can see, this sentence does not have a literal meaning.

I asked him to cut me some slack.

Similarities

Both are only similar in that they are comprised of several words together. Take a look at the examples below:

Of all the hardships she has been through, this one seems the most interesting to me.

Here, the highlighted part is a prepositional phrase.

You still have a chip on your shoulder? C'mon dude, let go.

Are They Interchangeable?

As it was clear above, these two are completely different structures. So, they cannot be used interchangeably. An 'idiom' has a metaphorical meaning, whereas, a 'phrase' has no complete meaning. It is part of a sentence. Compare:

Joanna has decided to bite the bullet and sign the contract.

This is an example of an 'idiom'.

The beautiful woman thought it necessary to move to London.

The highlighted part is an example of a verb phrase.

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