4 part complex phrases – English Grammar Profiler

We can search for various lengths of fixed expressions with the Claws7 tagset.  In this post, we look at the most common phrases made up of 4 words in the iWeb corpus with the query:

_*41 _*42 _*43 _*44

1 FROM TIME TO TIME 178222 (complex adverbial phrase)

Maybe it would’ve done you some good to have some questions from time to time.

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2 FOR THE MOST PART 154857 (complex adverbial phrase)

But for the most part, they live in complete isolation quite unaware there are other people in the world.

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3 ON THE PART OF 74232 (complex prepositional phrase)

We feel it‘s a publicity stunt on the part of Malcolm X.

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Also note:

There was concern on the ROTC‘s part 

that if the interpreter were to get injured during the training,

 it would be a liability issue.

TED

4 ALL OF A SUDDEN 63626 (complex adverbial phrase)

All of a sudden, I‘m the bad guy in this.

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5 FOR THE TIME BEING 36916 (complex adverbial time phrase)

You may have saved yourself for the time being, Mr Mitchell, 

but we still have a matter of four hundred and fifty dollars to discuss.

listen

6 THAT IS TO SAY 31752 (complex adverbial phrase for introducing appositional constructions)

That is to say, do you feel this could be your calling?

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7 ONCE AND FOR ALL 30214 (complex adverbial phrase)

Then let us be rid of it once and for all.

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8 IN THE LIGHT OF 27959

In the light of these facts, our course is clear.

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9 WITH A VIEW TO 25534

See, we‘re looking for attractive women with a view to marriage.

The Closer You Get

10 IN SO FAR AS 11485
11 OUT OF TOUCH WITH 7185 C2

Tell me again 

that I‘m too out of touch with my feelings, 

and I need to go to therapy.

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12 IN AS MUCH AS 4667 13 THROUGH THICK AND THIN 3204 14 UP TO THE MINUTE 2603 15 OUT OF LINE WITH 1981 16 BY FAR AND AWAY 1626 17 IN THE ORDER OF 1567 18 JE NE SAIS QUOI 1300

19 CREME DE LA CREME 944