Clause vs. Sentence — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 21, 2024
A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb; a sentence is a complete thought expressed by words.
Difference Between Clause and Sentence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A clause is a fundamental grammatical unit that includes a subject and a predicate but doesn't necessarily convey a complete thought, while a sentence, composed of clauses, represents a complete thought, idea, or statement. Clauses can be independent or dependent, forming parts of or whole sentences, whereas sentences are classified based on structure (simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex) and purpose (declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory).
While clauses are the building blocks of sentences, providing additional information and complexity, sentences are the broader linguistic structures that utilize clauses to articulate full ideas or statements. Clauses can exist within sentences as components that add depth and detail, whereas sentences stand as the complete expression of an idea, capable of standing alone.
The distinction also lies in the ability to stand alone: an independent clause can stand alone as a simple sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. On the other hand, every sentence must stand alone as a coherent unit of meaning.
Furthermore, clauses can be nested within other clauses, creating layers of information, while sentences are structured around clauses to form coherent narratives or arguments. Sentences, by enclosing clauses, define the boundaries of ideas and arguments in text.
Understanding the difference between clauses and sentences is crucial for mastering writing and grammar, as it affects punctuation, coherence, and the overall flow of text. Whereas sentences provide the framework within which clauses can vary and expand ideas.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A group of words with a subject and verb, not always a complete thought.
A group of words expressing a complete thought or idea.
Standalone
Can be independent or dependent (not able to stand alone).
Always stands alone as a complete unit of meaning.
Function
Adds information to a sentence; can be part of or a whole sentence.
Expresses a full idea, question, command, or exclamation.
Types
Independent or dependent.
Simple, compound, complex, compound-complex; declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory.
Relationship with Other Structures
Can be nested within other clauses or sentences.
Contains clauses to form structured and coherent statements.
Compare with Definitions
Clause
A group of words containing a subject and verb; may or may not convey a complete thought.
When the sun sets,
Sentence
Compound-complex sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
The book is on the table where you left it, and the glasses are next to it.
Clause
Functions to add detail or information to a sentence.
Which was very unusual,
Sentence
A set of words that is complete in itself, typically containing a subject, predicate, and conveying a statement, question, exclamation, or command.
The sun sets.
Clause
Independent clause: Can stand alone as a sentence.
The bird sings.
Sentence
Compound sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses.
The sun rises, and the birds sing.
Clause
Can be combined with other clauses to form complex sentences.
If you save your money,
Sentence
Simple sentence: Contains a single clause.
Dogs bark.
Clause
Dependent clause: Cannot stand alone.
Because the sky is red,
Sentence
Complex sentence: Contains at least one independent clause and one dependent clause.
When the sun sets, the stars appear.
Clause
In language, a clause is a constituent that links a semantic predicand (expressed or not) and a semantic predicate. A typical clause consists of a subject and a syntactic predicate, the latter typically a verb phrase, a verb with any objects and other modifiers.
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.
Clause
(Grammar) A group of words containing a subject and a predicate and forming part of a compound or complex sentence.
Sentence
The penalty imposed by a law court or other authority upon someone found guilty of a crime or other offense.
Clause
A distinct article, stipulation, or provision in a document.
Sentence
(Archaic) A maxim.
Clause
(grammar) A verb, its necessary grammatical arguments, and any adjuncts affecting them.
Sentence
(Obsolete) An opinion, especially one given formally after deliberation.
Clause
(grammar) A verb along with its subject and their modifiers. If a clause provides a complete thought on its own, then it is an independent (superordinate) clause; otherwise, it is (subordinate) dependent.
Sentence
To impose a sentence on (a criminal defendant found guilty, for example).
Clause
(legal) A separate part of a contract, a will or another legal document.
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.
Clause
To amend (a bill of lading or similar document).
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.
Clause
A separate portion of a written paper, paragraph, or sentence; an article, stipulation, or proviso, in a legal document.
The usual attestation clause to a will.
Sentence
A punishment imposed on a person convicted of a crime.
Clause
A subordinate portion or a subdivision of a sentence containing a subject and its predicate.
Sentence
(obsolete) A saying, especially from a great person; a maxim, an apophthegm.
Clause
See Letters clause or Letters close, under Letter.
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.
Clause
(grammar) an expression including a subject and predicate but not constituting a complete sentence
Sentence
(logic) A formula with no free variables.
Clause
A separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will)
Sentence
(computing theory) Any of the set of strings that can be generated by a given formal grammar.
Sentence
(obsolete) Sense; meaning; significance.
Sentence
(obsolete) One's opinion; manner of thinking.
Sentence
A pronounced opinion or judgment on a given question.
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.
Sentence
To decree, announce, or pass as a sentence.
Sentence
(obsolete) To utter sententiously.
Sentence
Sense; meaning; significance.
Tales of best sentence and most solace.
The discourse itself, voluble enough, and full of sentence.
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.
Sentence
A philosophical or theological opinion; a dogma; as, Summary of the Sentences; Book of the Sentences.
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.
Sentence
A short saying, usually containing moral instruction; a maxim; an axiom; a saw.
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.
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.
Sentence
To decree or announce as a sentence.
Sentence
To utter sententiously.
Sentence
A string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language;
He always spoke in grammatical sentences
Sentence
(criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed;
The conviction came as no surprise
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
Sentence
Pronounce a sentence on (somebody) in a court of law;
He was condemned to ten years in prison
Common Curiosities
What is a clause?
A clause is a group of words containing both a subject and a verb, which may or may not express a complete thought.
How do clauses and sentences differ?
Clauses are components of sentences that contain a subject and predicate but don't always express a complete thought. Sentences are complete thoughts or ideas expressed through words.
Can a clause stand alone as a sentence?
An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, but a dependent clause cannot.
Can a sentence contain multiple clauses?
Yes, sentences can contain multiple clauses, including both independent and dependent clauses.
What are the types of sentences?
Sentences can be simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex, and they can serve different purposes like stating, asking, commanding, or exclaiming.
What is a sentence?
A sentence is a set of words that expresses a complete idea or thought, typically including a subject and predicate.
How does a complex sentence function?
A complex sentence combines at least one independent clause with one or more dependent clauses to add depth and detail.
What is an independent clause?
An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone as a simple sentence because it expresses a complete thought.
What is the purpose of a compound sentence?
A compound sentence aims to connect two independent clauses to express related ideas or actions equally.
How are sentences structured?
Sentences are structured around clauses, using them to build complete ideas or statements with proper punctuation and order.
What is a dependent clause?
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought.
How do clauses add to a sentence?
Clauses add information, detail, and complexity to sentences, helping to elaborate on ideas and connect parts of a text.
Can clauses be nested within other clauses?
Yes, clauses can be nested within other clauses, creating layers of detail and information within sentences.
Why is understanding clauses and sentences important?
Understanding the difference helps in mastering grammar, writing, and the structure of the English language, improving communication.
What distinguishes a compound-complex sentence?
A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause, offering complexity and detail.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
