How to phrase things

[michelabagatella]

I have read the following expressions: "How to phrase things" or "I don't like how you phrase things".

Well, I can't understand properly the meaning of 'to phrase things'... Can anybody help me please?

Regards,
Michela

 

[SirGod]

* Not a teacher

Have you looked it up in a dictionary?

phrase verb - definition in British English Dictionary & Thesaurus - Cambridge Dictionary Online

Tell me if you are still confused (but I doubt that).

 

[michelabagatella]

No, this expression has been used by a native british speaker.

 

[TheParser]

"I don't like how you phrase things".

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

(1) I think that it means how you say something (the words).

Mona: I am thinking about marrying the Parser.

Her mother: Do you have to marry such an ugly old man?

Mona: Mother, could you rephrase that?

Her mother: OK. Could you choose a more attractive senior citizen to marry?

 

[BobSmith]

[not a teacher]

"how to phrase things" is a very common choice when talking about how to structure words themselves. As far as I can tell, it's used almost exclusively in this manner.

Examples:

1: I think I confused the room more than I helped them.
2: You have to learn [how] to phrase things better. (You have to learn to tailor your thoughts to your audience.)

1: My mom said I can't go to the movies tonight.
2: If you knew how to phrase things, you would be joining us! (Had you buttered up your Mom, you would be going.)