Introductory Concepts
Elementary Relationships
Extensions of Verbal Behavior
Multiple Controlling Relationships
Building on the Elementary Relationships
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40.1 Definition of Word Blend and Phrase Blend

Fragments may recombine either at the word level or at the phrase level. Saying “tair” as a result of looking at a chair and a table is a word blend. Saying “right out” as a result of a tendency to say both “far out” and “right on” is a phrase blend. The key distinction is in the size of the fragments that form the recombination. If the fragments are only letters, or phonemes, then the new response is a word blend. If, on the other hand, the fragments consist of entire words, then the new blend is a phrase blend.

A cartoon of a man sitting at a table with a drink, illustrating the concept of blend.

word blend

A cartoon illustrating a word blend or phrase blend with a man and woman.

phrase blend

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