A phrase in song may be defined as a unit of musical and verbal thought. As a rule, the composer sees that they coincide. As in sentences, phrases in music vary in length, — some are short, others are long. If a phrase in a song is broken in the wrong place, its musical and verbal continuity and meaning are sacrificed. It is necessary, therefore, to study songs and exercises carefully in order to discover the correct phrasing. Meaning and punctuation of sentences, breath marks, phrase lines, and cadences help you determine this.
In beginning the study of singing, vocalists often are unable to carry over a long series of tones easily and effectively. As a consequence, the phrase has to be divided into smaller parts. This should be done quickly and unobtrusively and only at proper points. If training is correct, the number of tones a singer can produce in one breath should increase day by day.

To perform a long phrase satisfactorily is one of the most important factors in musical performance. As has been indicated, this is a matter of vocal development to a great extent. It is also a matter of courage. If you do not have the mind or the will to sustain a number of tones in succession without breaking them, an adequate supply of breath and a pleasing voice avail little.Although the direction - to phrase" often means - to breathe,- the term good phrasing has considerably greater significance than the mere indication that breath has been replenished skillfully. To phrase a song well denotes not only that you have taken breath correctly, but that you have built up climaxes properly and have rendered dynamic and other tonal effects intelligently and beautifully. Indeed, good phrasing implies right use of voice in all respects.