EN
The article contains a review of numerous Russian linguistic theories regarding the status of a word and phraseologism. Comparative analysis of subject matter established that linguists do not agree on the borderline between lexicology and phraseology as well as on the linguistic status of the subject matter. Some linguists claim that phraseology is a branch of lexicology, whilst others consider it a separate field. Supporters of the first theory, i.e. those in favour of incorporating phraseology into lexicology, include W. G. Gak, A. A. Reformatski, N. M. Szanski, D. N. Szmielow, A. A. Giruckij, whilst its opponents include W. N. Telia, W. P. Żukow, A. W. Żukow, L. G Barlas, G. G. Infantowa, M. G. Sejfulin, N. A. Senina, L. W. Nikolenko, N. S. Walgina, D. E. Rozental, M. I. Fomina. The presented stands and scholars’ views unquestionably proved the existence of features common to both subject matters and they allowed to distinguish a semantic and functionalpragmatic criterion, on the basis of which both a phraseologism and word can be examined within one academic branch.