Statement vs. Proposition: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 23, 2024
A statement is a declarative sentence that conveys information or expresses an assertion, while a proposition is a suggested idea or plan for consideration or acceptance.
Key Differences
A statement is a declarative sentence that conveys information or asserts a fact. It is used to provide data or make claims that can be true or false. A proposition, on the other hand, is an idea or plan put forward for consideration. It suggests a potential action or concept that requires evaluation or acceptance.
While statements are typically factual and assertive, propositions are often speculative and suggestive. Statements aim to inform or assert, whereas propositions aim to persuade or propose.
In logical contexts, a statement is a sentence that can be true or false, while a proposition is the content or meaning of such a statement. Statements express propositions, which are abstract entities representing potential truth values.
Both terms can intersect in logic, where a statement expresses a proposition. However, in everyday use, a statement is often straightforward and factual, whereas a proposition implies a level of suggestion or plan that invites consideration.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A declarative sentence that conveys information or asserts a fact
An idea or plan put forward for consideration or acceptance
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Purpose
To inform or assert
To suggest or propose
Nature
Factual and assertive
Speculative and suggestive
Usage
Common in everyday and formal contexts
Common in proposals, plans, and suggestions
Logical Context
Can be true or false
Represents the content of a statement
Statement and Proposition Definitions
Statement
A formal account of events.
The witness gave a statement to the police.
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Proposition
A suggested idea or plan for consideration.
He made a proposition to expand the business.
Statement
A declarative sentence that conveys information.
She is a doctor is a statement.
Proposition
An offer or proposal in business.
The merger proposition was well-received.
Statement
An expression of fact or opinion.
Chocolate is delicious is a statement.
Proposition
A plan suggested for acceptance; a proposal.
Statement
An assertion that can be true or false.
The Earth orbits the Sun is a statement.
Proposition
A matter to be dealt with; a task
Finding affordable housing can be a difficult proposition.
Statement
A financial summary.
I received my bank statement today.
Proposition
An offer of a private bargain, especially a request for sexual relations.
Statement
The act of stating or declaring
The attorney's statement took an hour.
Proposition
A subject for discussion or analysis.
Statement
Something stated; a declaration
The witness made many false statements.
Proposition
A statement that affirms or denies something.
Statement
A formal oral or written declaration, especially with regard to facts or claims
In a statement, the firm denied any wrongdoing.
Proposition
The meaning expressed in such a statement, as opposed to the way it is expressed.
Statement
An abstract of a commercial or financial account showing an amount due; a bill.
Proposition
(Mathematics) A theorem.
Statement
A monthly report sent to a debtor or bank depositor.
Proposition
To propose a private bargain to, especially to propose sexual relations with.
Statement
(Computers) An elementary instruction in a programming language.
Proposition
(uncountable) The act of offering (an idea) for consideration.
Statement
An overall impression or mood intended to be communicated, especially by means other than words
Glass, exposed beams, and antiques created a strong decorative statement.
Proposition
(countable) An idea or a plan offered.
Statement
Having a striking appearance, often because of large size, unusual design, or extensive ornamentation
A statement necklace.
Statement furniture.
Proposition
The terms of a transaction offered.
Statement
A declaration or remark.
Make a statement
Publish a statement
Utter a statement
Proposition
In some states, a proposed statute or constitutional amendment to be voted on by the electorate.
Statement
A presentation of opinion or position.
Proposition
(grammar) A complete sentence.
Statement
(finance) A document that summarizes financial activity.
A bank statement
Proposition
The content of an assertion that may be taken as being true or false and is considered abstractly without reference to the linguistic sentence that constitutes the assertion; (Aristotelian logic) a predicate of a subject that is denied or affirmed and connected by a copula.
“‘Wiktionary is a good dictionary’ is a proposition” is a proposition.
Statement
(computing) An instruction in a computer program, especially one that returns no value, as opposed to a function call.
Proposition
An assertion so formulated that it can be considered true or false.
Statement
(transitive) To provide an official document of a proposition, especially in the UK a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
Proposition
An assertion which is provably true, but not important enough to be called a theorem.
Statement
The act of stating, reciting, or presenting, orally or on paper; as, to interrupt a speaker in the statement of his case.
Proposition
A statement of religious doctrine; an article of faith; creed.
The propositions of Wyclif and Huss
Statement
That which is stated; a formal embodiment in language of facts or opinions; a narrative; a recital.
Proposition
(poetic) The part of a poem in which the author states the subject or matter of it.
Statement
A message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc;
According to his statement he was in London on that day
Proposition
Misspelling of preposition
Statement
A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true;
It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true
Proposition
To make a suggestion of sexual intercourse to (someone with whom one is not sexually involved).
Statement
(music) the presentation of a musical theme;
The initial statement of the sonata
Proposition
To make an offer or suggestion to (someone).
Statement
A nonverbal message;
A Cadillac makes a statement about who you are
His tantrums are a statement of his need for attention
Proposition
The act of setting or placing before; the act of offering.
Statement
The act of affirming or asserting or stating something
Proposition
That which is proposed; that which is offered, as for consideration, acceptance, or adoption; a proposal; as, the enemy made propositions of peace; his proposition was not accepted.
Statement
(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
Proposition
A statement of religious doctrine; an article of faith; creed; as, the propositions of Wyclif and Huss.
Some persons . . . change their propositions according as their temporal necessities or advantages do turn.
Statement
A document showing credits and debits
Proposition
A complete sentence, or part of a sentence consisting of a subject and predicate united by a copula; a thought expressed or propounded in language; a from of speech in which a predicate is affirmed or denied of a subject; as, snow is white.
Proposition
A statement in terms of a truth to be demonstrated, or of an operation to be performed.
Proposition
That which is offered or affirmed as the subject of the discourse; anything stated or affirmed for discussion or illustration.
Proposition
The part of a poem in which the author states the subject or matter of it.
Proposition
(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false
Proposition
A proposal offered for acceptance or rejection;
It was a suggestion we couldn't refuse
Proposition
An offer for a private bargain (especially a request for sexual favors)
Proposition
The act of making a proposal;
They listened to her proposal
Proposition
A task to be dealt with;
Securing adequate funding is a time-consuming proposition
Proposition
Suggest sex to;
She was propositioned by a stranger at the party
Proposition
A statement expressing a potential action.
Let's meet at noon is a proposition.
Proposition
A logical assertion that can be true or false.
All humans are mortal is a proposition.
Proposition
A formal suggestion for discussion.
The board discussed the new proposition.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of a statement?
To inform or assert information.
Are all propositions statements?
Not necessarily; propositions are the content of statements, but they can exist independently as ideas.
What is a statement?
A statement is a declarative sentence that conveys information or asserts a fact.
What is an example of a statement?
"The car is red."
What is a proposition?
A proposition is an idea or plan suggested for consideration or acceptance.
Can a statement be a proposition?
Yes, in logic, a statement expresses a proposition.
What is the main purpose of a proposition?
To suggest or propose an idea or plan.
How are statements used in everyday language?
Statements are used to convey facts or opinions, such as "It is raining."
Are statements common in formal contexts?
Yes, statements are common in both everyday and formal contexts.
Can a statement be true or false?
Yes, statements can be either true or false.
Do propositions require consideration?
Yes, propositions suggest ideas that require evaluation or acceptance.
How are propositions used in everyday language?
Propositions are used to suggest actions or ideas, like "Shall we go out?"
What is an example of a proposition?
"Let's have dinner together."
What is the difference between a factual and speculative nature?
Statements are factual, whereas propositions are speculative.
Can a statement propose an action?
Generally, no, statements assert facts; proposals suggest actions.
Do statements require consideration?
No, statements assert information without requiring further consideration.
Are propositions common in business contexts?
Yes, propositions are often used in business for proposals and suggestions.
Can a proposition be true or false?
Yes, in logic, propositions can be evaluated as true or false.
Is "The sky is blue" a statement or proposition?
It is a statement.
Is "Let's go for a walk" a statement or proposition?
It is a proposition.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
