Clause vs. Sentence: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 25, 2023
A clause is a group of related words containing a subject and a predicate; a sentence is a set of words that express a complete thought and can stand alone.
Key Differences
A clause is a fundamental building block of sentence construction. It consists of a subject and a predicate, which makes it capable of conveying a meaning. A sentence, on the other hand, is a more extensive structure that can be composed of one or multiple clauses, expressing a complete thought.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Not all clauses can stand alone. While an independent clause can stand by itself as a complete thought, a dependent clause cannot. A sentence, however, is inherently complete, whether it's formed from a single independent clause or multiple clauses combined.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
In terms of function, a clause can serve various roles within a sentence. It can be the main message, a subordinate idea, or even an embedded detail. A sentence, in contrast, serves as the primary vessel to convey an entire idea or statement, question, command, or exclamation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Punctuation often differentiates clauses and sentences. Clauses within a sentence might be separated by commas, whereas sentences are typically delineated by periods, question marks, or exclamation points.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Clauses can be classified into different types, like independent and dependent clauses. Sentences, however, are categorized based on their purpose, such as declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory.
Harlon Moss
Oct 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Components
Contains a subject and a predicate.
Can be made up of one or more clauses.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Standalone
Not always (depends on clause type).
Always expresses a complete thought.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Function
Can serve as main or subordinate idea.
Conveys a full idea or statement.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Punctuation
Can be separated by commas within a sentence.
Typically ends with a period, question mark, or exclamation point.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Types/Categories
Independent, dependent, etc.
Declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
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Clause and Sentence Definitions
Clause
A unit within a sentence that can be independent or dependent.
She runs is an independent clause.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Sentence
A coherent expression terminating with a punctuation mark.
Hurry up! is an imperative sentence.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Clause
A segment of a sentence capable of conveying meaning.
Though she was late is a clause providing context.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Sentence
A statement, question, command, or exclamation.
What a beautiful view! is an exclamatory sentence.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Clause
A grammatical unit smaller than a sentence but larger than a phrase.
While I was reading is a dependent clause setting a time context.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
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Sentence
A set of words with a subject, verb, and full meaning.
Do you want tea? is an interrogative sentence.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Clause
A combination of words with its own subject-verb relationship.
Because the movie was boring is a dependent clause.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
Sentence
A linguistic unit consisting of one or multiple clauses.
She sings, and he dances. combines two independent clauses into a sentence.
Harlon Moss
Oct 25, 2023
Clause
A group of words with a subject and predicate.
When the rain stopped is a dependent clause.
Huma Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Sentence
A grammatical unit expressing a complete thought.
The sky is blue. is a declarative sentence.
Huma Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Sentence
A grammatical unit that is syntactically independent and has a subject that is expressed or, as in imperative sentences, understood and a predicate that contains at least one finite verb.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 27, 2022
FAQs
How does a sentence differ from a clause?
A sentence expresses a complete thought and can stand alone, while a clause might not always be complete on its own.
Huma Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
What punctuation typically ends a sentence?
A period, question mark, or exclamation point.
Harlon Moss
Oct 25, 2023
Can a sentence be made of multiple clauses?
Yes, a sentence can comprise one or more clauses.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Can a sentence be just one word?
Yes, in cases like imperative sentences, e.g., "Run!"
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Is every clause a sentence?
No, only independent clauses can stand alone as sentences; dependent clauses cannot.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
How are multiple clauses in a sentence typically separated?
They are often separated by conjunctions and appropriate punctuation, like commas.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
What is a clause?
A clause is a group of related words containing a subject and a predicate.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
What are the types of sentences based on purpose?
Declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory.
Harlon Moss
Oct 25, 2023
How are clauses used in complex sentences?
Complex sentences combine an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Are phrases and clauses the same?
No, while both are groups of words, only clauses have both a subject and predicate.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Why are dependent clauses called "dependent"?
Because they rely on other clauses (usually independent) to make complete sense.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
What's the difference between a sentence fragment and a complete sentence?
A fragment lacks elements that make a sentence complete, while a complete sentence expresses a full thought.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Are all sentences long and detailed?
No, sentences can be long or short, detailed or concise, as long as they express a complete thought.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Do all clauses have verbs?
Yes, all clauses have a predicate, which includes a verb.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
What's the role of a conjunction in a compound sentence?
A conjunction, like "and" or "but," joins two independent clauses in a compound sentence.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
What's an example of a dependent clause?
"Although he tried hard" is a dependent clause.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
How do you differentiate between independent and dependent clauses?
An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
What makes a sentence complete?
A sentence is complete when it expresses a full thought or idea.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Can you give an example of a compound sentence?
"She laughed, and he cried." This sentence combines two independent clauses.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2023
Can clauses function as different parts of speech?
Yes, dependent clauses can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
