phrasing

[frey-zing]

noun

1. the act of forming phrases.

2. a manner or method of forming phrases; phraseology.

3. Music.,  the grouping of the notes of a musical line into distinct phrases.

phrasing

/ ˈfreɪzɪŋ /

noun

1. the way in which something is expressed, esp in writing; wording

2. music the division of a melodic line, part, etc, into musical phrases

Word History and Origins

Origin of phrasing¹

First recorded in 1605–15; phrase + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

But this is a slightly vaguer way of phrasing it that pollsters tend to be more sceptical about.

From BBC

In particular, they changed phrasing saying that the purpose of displaying the Israeli flag is to signify support for the Jewish state to saying the purpose is to signify support for the Jewish community.

From Los Angeles Times

The phrasing or timing of a question might yield different answers from various chatbots.

From Los Angeles Times

You can hear that jazz phrasing, in the drums in Densmore’s playing.

From Los Angeles Times

The Bobcats have their own reasons for turning up multiple nights and can debate the finer points of, say, the phrasing and delivery of individual lines of songs from night to night.

From Salon

Related Words

• diction 
• phrase 
• terminology