What does phrasal mean?
“Phrasal” describes expressions made from more than one word when those words function together as a grammatical unit. Its best-known use is in “phrasal verb,” a term for a verb combined with a particle such as an adverb or preposition. Examples include “pick up,” “put off,” and “give in.” The particle often contributes to the meaning: “give” becomes “give in” when it means surrender, while “put off” means postpone. “Phrasal” can also refer more generally to phrases or phrase-like grammatical forms. In everyday speech, the adjective is less common than the nouns “phrase” and “phrasal verb,” but it is useful when discussing how words combine. It should not be confused with “phrase” itself: a phrase is the expression being described, whereas “phrasal” characterizes its structure or grammatical behavior.
adjectiveRelating to a phrase or to a word combination that functions as a unit. In grammar, a phrasal expression may consist of a main word together with a particle, as in phrasal verbs such as “pick up” and “give in.”
- Relating to or consisting of a phrase.
- Relating to a grammatical construction in which a main word combines with a particle to create a larger expression.
"The teacher explained that the verb “look after” is a phrasal verb."
"The dictionary lists “put off” as a phrasal verb."
"The article discusses the difference between a phrasal verb and a verb with a prepositional phrase."
Not every multiword expression is phrasal: a phrasal verb pairs a verb with a particle whose meaning can change the verb’s overall sense.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How phrasal is actually used
The word is chiefly used in grammar and linguistics, especially in the expression “phrasal verb.” It is more often encountered in British English descriptions, but it is also standard in American English.
Easily confused with phrasal
A phrase is a group of words that makes sense as a unit, whereas “phrasal” is an adjective describing that group or a grammatical construction involving a main word and a particle.