STRUCTURAL TYPES OF PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive examination of the structural classification of phraseological units within modern linguistic theory. Phraseological units, understood as stable word combinations characterised by fully or partially transferred meanings, represent a crucial component of any language's lexical system. While semantic and functional approaches to phraseology have received considerable scholarly attention, the structural organisation of these units remains a fundamental yet often underexplored criterion for their systematic description. Drawing upon the foundational works of Vinogradov, Arnold, Kunin, Smirnitsky, Amosova, and other prominent linguists, the present study distinguishes three principal structural types: nominal, verbal, and interjectional phraseological units. Each type is analysed in terms of its syntactic core, morphological patterning, and typical grammatical behaviour, with illustrative examples drawn primarily from English and supplemented by cross-linguistic observations from Russian, German, and Uzbek. The findings demonstrate that a structural typology is indispensable for understanding phraseological semantics, predicting usage patterns, and developing effective translation strategies. The article concludes by discussing the pedagogical, lexicographic, and computational implications of the structural approach.