Phrases for Describing & Explaining -- Form & Usage

Part of Speech & Structure

• It's (an adjective / a gerund / a noun / a verb).
• It's (an idiom / a phrasal verb / a proverb / a common expression).

Definition

• It means to [some verb].
• It means to be [some adjective].

Synonyms & Antonyms

• It's another word for [some word].
• It means roughly the same thing as [some word].
• It's a synonym for [some word], but it has a (negative / positive) meaning.
• It's the opposite of [some word].

Register

• It's considered (formal / standard / colloquial / slang).
• It's (legal / medical / scientific) jargon.

Context & Usage

• It's often used in (science / business / education).
• It's often used by (scientists / businesspeople / teachers).
• It's often found in (newspaper articles / literature / pop songs).

William T Kennedy 2003