DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

IDIOMS AND PHRASES

IDIOMS

Definition
A group of words whose meaning is
different from the meaning of words
individually.
PHRASES

A phrase is a group of words that works together in a sentence but does not contain a subject or a verb. Often
phrases are used for descriptions of people, things, or events.

Examples:

Filled with joy, the girl jumped up and down.

The man with the red jacket is my father.

TYPES OF PHRASES

Noun phrase
A noun phrase is a group of words that functions like a noun. Also known as nominals, noun phrases act as
subjects or objects in a sentence. Noun phrases can’t function as a complete sentence — they don’t have a verb.

Examples of noun phrases include:

a bird
the little boy
VERB PHRASE

A group of words including a verb and its complements, objects, or other modifiers that
functions syntactically as a verb. In English a verb phrase combines with a noun or noun
phrase acting as subject to form a simple sentence.
A phrase consisting of a main verb and any auxiliaries but not including modifiers, objects, or
complements.
Examples
She smells the pizza. (verb is smells)
She can smell the pizza. (verb phrase is can smell)
 PREPOSTIONAL PHRASE

A prepositional phrase is a group of words consisting of a preposition, its object, and any words that
modify the object.
Examples
Behind the wardrobe drawers were piles of unfolded and dirty clothes.

Beyond the mountain range lies a green valley.

The girl hid under the table during a game of Hide and Seek.
ADJECTIVE PHRASE

An adjectival phrase is a group of words in a phrase that includes an adjective. It acts as an

adjective by describing a noun
Examples
The girl, from India, has been chosen as the Vice President
Thank you