Phrase vs. Sentence: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 1, 2023
A phrase is a group of words acting as a single unit in a sentence; a sentence is a set of words expressing a complete thought, usually containing a subject and a predicate.
Key Differences
A phrase is a collection of words that may lack a subject, a verb, or both, and it often acts as a single part of speech in a sentence. Conversely, a sentence is a grammatical unit that must contain a subject and a predicate and conveys a complete thought, representing a statement, question, exclamation, or command.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Phrases are integral components of sentences, providing additional information and context without necessarily forming a complete thought. Sentences, on the other hand, are independent and can stand alone, expressing complete ideas, feelings, or actions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
The function of a phrase within a sentence can vary; it can act as a noun, verb, adverb, adjective, or preposition, depending on its construction and context. In contrast, a sentence serves to communicate a statement, question, command, or exclamation and must have proper grammatical structure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Phrases can be very brief or quite long, but they do not have the independence of conveying a full idea or statement. Sentences, however, are structured to convey full meanings and can be complex, compound, simple, or compound-complex, depending on their construction.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 30, 2023
Phrases usually serve to provide specific details, clarify meaning, or add embellishment to the sentences they are part of. Sentences, meanwhile, serve as the foundational building blocks of coherent and organized written and spoken language, allowing for clear communication of thoughts and ideas.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A group of words acting as a single unit without conveying a complete thought.
A group of words expressing a complete thought, having a subject and a predicate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Independence
Cannot stand alone as it does not convey a complete thought.
Can stand alone as it conveys a complete thought.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Structure
May lack a subject, a verb, or both.
Must contain a subject and a predicate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Function
Acts as a single part of speech within a sentence.
Communicates a statement, question, command, or exclamation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 30, 2023
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Phrase and Sentence Definitions
Phrase
A sequence of words intended to have meaning.
Piece of cake is a phrase used to describe something easy.
Sara Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Sentence
A set of words that is complete in itself, typically containing a subject, verb, and object.
The dog fetched the ball. is a complete sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Phrase
A group of words without a subject and predicate.
Under the weather is a phrase meaning feeling ill.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Sentence
A word, or group of words, that must contain a subject and predicate.
She dances gracefully. is a sentence with a subject and a predicate.
Sara Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Phrase
A combination of words acting as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence.
Breaking the ice is a phrase denoting the act of overcoming initial social awkwardness.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
A sequence of words that have meaning, especially when forming part of a sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
The penalty imposed by a law court or other authority upon someone found guilty of a crime or other offense.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
A brief, apt, and cogent expression
The phrase "out of the frying pan and into the fire.".
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
(Obsolete) An opinion, especially one given formally after deliberation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
(Music) A short passage or segment, often consisting of four measures or forming part of a larger unit.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
To impose a sentence on (a criminal defendant found guilty, for example).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
A series of dance movements forming a unit in a choreographic pattern.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
(dated) The decision or judgement of a jury or court; a verdict.
The court returned a sentence of guilt in the first charge, but innocence in the second.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
The judicial order for a punishment to be imposed on a person convicted of a crime.
The judge declared a sentence of death by hanging for the infamous child rapist.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
(obsolete) A saying, especially from a great person; a maxim, an apophthegm.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
(grammar) A grammatically complete series of words consisting of a subject and predicate, even if one or the other is implied, and typically beginning with a capital letter and ending with a full stop or other punctuation.
The children were made to construct sentences consisting of nouns and verbs from the list on the chalkboard.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
(computing theory) Any of the set of strings that can be generated by a given formal grammar.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
(grammar) A word or, more commonly, a group of words that functions as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence, usually consisting of a head, or central word, and elaborating words.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
(dance) A short individual motion forming part of a choreographed dance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
To declare a sentence on a convicted person; to condemn to punishment.
The judge sentenced the embezzler to ten years in prison, along with a hefty fine.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
(transitive) To express (an action, thought or idea) by means of particular words.
I wasn't sure how to phrase my condolences without sounding patronising.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
Sense; meaning; significance.
Tales of best sentence and most solace.
The discourse itself, voluble enough, and full of sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
A brief expression, sometimes a single word, but usually two or more words forming an expression by themselves, or being a portion of a sentence; as, an adverbial phrase.
"Convey" the wise it call. "Steal!" foh! a fico for the phrase.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
An opinion; a decision; a determination; a judgment, especially one of an unfavorable nature.
My sentence is for open war.
That by them [Luther's works] we may pass sentence upon his doctrines.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to err is human.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
A philosophical or theological opinion; a dogma; as, Summary of the Sentences; Book of the Sentences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any one expreses himself; diction; expression.
Thou speak'stIn better phrase and matter than thou didst.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
In civil and admiralty law, the judgment of a court pronounced in a cause; in criminal and ecclesiastical courts, a judgment passed on a criminal by a court or judge; condemnation pronounced by a judicial tribunal; doom. In common law, the term is exclusively used to denote the judgment in criminal cases.
Received the sentence of the law.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
A short saying, usually containing moral instruction; a maxim; an axiom; a saw.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
A combination of words which is complete as expressing a thought, and in writing is marked at the close by a period, or full point. See Proposition, 4.
He fills, he bounds, connects, and equals all.
A king . . . understanding dark sentences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
To pass or pronounce judgment upon; to doom; to condemn to punishment; to prescribe the punishment of.
Nature herself is sentenced in your doom.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
An expression forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence but not containing a finite verb
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
An expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
A string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language;
He always spoke in grammatical sentences
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
Put into words or an expression;
He formulated his concerns to the board of trustees
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
(criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed;
The conviction came as no surprise
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
A small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit.
The phrase kick the bucket conveys the concept of dying.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Sentence
The period of time a prisoner is imprisoned;
He served a prison term of 15 months
His sentence was 5 to 10 years
He is doing time in the county jail
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Phrase
A segment of language with idiomatic or propositional meaning.
The phrase hit the nail on the head means to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Sentence
Pronounce a sentence on (somebody) in a court of law;
He was condemned to ten years in prison
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Sentence
A grammatical unit consisting of a set of words that express a complete thought.
The sentence The cat sat on the mat. conveys a complete idea.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Sentence
A coherent set of words expressing an assertion, a question, a command, or an exclamation.
The sentence What a beautiful sunset! expresses an exclamation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Sentence
A string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language.
It is raining heavily. is a grammatically correct sentence.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
FAQs
Is a verb necessary in a Phrase?
No, a phrase may lack a subject, a verb, or both.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
What constitutes a Sentence?
A sentence is a set of words that express a complete thought, typically containing a subject and a predicate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Can a Phrase stand alone?
No, a phrase cannot stand alone as it does not convey a complete thought.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Does every Sentence convey a complete thought?
Yes, every sentence must convey a complete thought.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 30, 2023
Can Phrases be part of complex Sentences?
Yes, phrases can be components of complex sentences to provide additional information.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 30, 2023
What is a Phrase?
A phrase is a group of words acting as a single unit in a sentence, without conveying a complete thought.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Is proper grammatical structure mandatory in a Sentence?
Yes, a sentence must have proper grammatical structure to convey a clear meaning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Do Phrases add meaning to Sentences?
Yes, phrases can clarify meaning and add detail to sentences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Can a Phrase be long?
Yes, a phrase can be very brief or quite long, depending on its construction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Can a Sentence contain multiple Phrases?
Yes, a sentence can contain multiple phrases which add detail and context.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 30, 2023
What is the minimum requirement for a Sentence?
A sentence requires, at a minimum, a subject and a predicate.
Harlon Moss
Oct 30, 2023
Can the function of a Phrase vary within a Sentence?
Yes, depending on its construction and context, a phrase can act as various parts of speech within a sentence.
Sara Rehman
Oct 30, 2023
Can a Sentence be a question?
Yes, a sentence can be structured to ask a question.
Harlon Moss
Oct 30, 2023
How does a Phrase differ in function from a Sentence?
A phrase provides specific details within a sentence, while a sentence communicates complete thoughts or ideas.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2023
Is a Sentence a foundational building block of language?
Yes, sentences serve as foundational building blocks for coherent written and spoken language.
Sara Rehman
Oct 30, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited 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.
