Phrase vs. Sentence — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
A phrase is a group of words without a subject and predicate, while a sentence is a complete thought with both. Both construct language but differ in completeness.
Difference Between Phrase and Sentence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Diving into the realm of language, one encounters the terms "phrase" and "sentence" frequently. A phrase is essentially a cluster of words that might not convey a complete thought. In contrast, a sentence is a structured collection of words that conveys a full idea, typically containing a subject and predicate.
Exploring phrases further, they can be short or long, like "on the table" or "running through the park," but lack the wholeness of a sentence. On the other hand, sentences, like "She reads books," provide a clear message with a definite beginning and end.
It's pivotal to understand that while all sentences can contain phrases, not all phrases can stand alone as sentences. This distinction is vital for mastering the nuances of English grammar. In essence, phrases add flavor and depth, while sentences serve as the primary carriers of meaning and information.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A group of words without a complete subject and predicate.
A group of words with a subject and predicate that expresses a complete thought.
Completeness
Doesn't express a complete thought.
Expresses a full idea or statement.
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Examples
"under the weather", "in time"
"She dances gracefully.", "The sun is shining."
Components
Can be part of a sentence or stand alone but doesn't have both a subject and predicate.
Contains both a subject and predicate.
Grammatical role
Acts as a single part of speech within a sentence.
Can stand alone and convey meaning.
Compare with Definitions
Phrase
A word cluster without a subject-predicate structure.
In the book is a prepositional phrase.
Sentence
A complete thought with a subject and predicate.
The cat sleeps.
Phrase
Words combined for specific meaning.
Break a leg is a phrase wishing good luck.
Sentence
A grammatical unit that can stand alone.
She sings beautifully.
Phrase
In syntax and grammar, a phrase is a group of words which act together as a grammatical unit. For instance, the English expression "the very happy squirrel" is a noun phrase which contains the adjective phrase "very happy".
Sentence
Contains a minimum of one independent clause.
While I waited, the rain poured. is a complex sentence.
Phrase
A sequence of words that have meaning, especially when forming part of a sentence.
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.
Phrase
A characteristic way or mode of expression
An apt turn of phrase.
Sentence
The penalty imposed by a law court or other authority upon someone found guilty of a crime or other offense.
Phrase
A brief, apt, and cogent expression
The phrase "out of the frying pan and into the fire.".
Sentence
(Archaic) A maxim.
Phrase
(Music) A short passage or segment, often consisting of four measures or forming part of a larger unit.
Sentence
(Obsolete) An opinion, especially one given formally after deliberation.
Phrase
A series of dance movements forming a unit in a choreographic pattern.
Sentence
To impose a sentence on (a criminal defendant found guilty, for example).
Phrase
To express orally or in writing
The speaker phrased several opinions.
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.
Phrase
To divide (a passage) into phrases.
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.
Phrase
To combine (notes) in a phrase.
Sentence
A punishment imposed on a person convicted of a crime.
Phrase
To make or express phrases.
Sentence
(obsolete) A saying, especially from a great person; a maxim, an apophthegm.
Phrase
(Music) To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
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.
Phrase
A short written or spoken expression.
Sentence
(logic) A formula with no free variables.
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.
Sentence
(computing theory) Any of the set of strings that can be generated by a given formal grammar.
Phrase
(music) A small section of music in a larger piece.
Sentence
(obsolete) Sense; meaning; significance.
Phrase
(archaic) A mode or form of speech; diction; expression.
Sentence
(obsolete) One's opinion; manner of thinking.
Phrase
(dance) A short individual motion forming part of a choreographed dance.
Sentence
A pronounced opinion or judgment on a given question.
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.
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.
Phrase
To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
Sentence
To decree, announce, or pass as a sentence.
Phrase
To divide into melodic phrases.
Sentence
(obsolete) To utter sententiously.
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.
Sentence
Sense; meaning; significance.
Tales of best sentence and most solace.
The discourse itself, voluble enough, and full of sentence.
Phrase
A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to err is human.
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.
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.
Sentence
A philosophical or theological opinion; a dogma; as, Summary of the Sentences; Book of the Sentences.
Phrase
A short clause or portion of a period.
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.
Phrase
To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style.
Sentence
A short saying, usually containing moral instruction; a maxim; an axiom; a saw.
Phrase
To use proper or fine phrases.
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.
Phrase
An expression forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence but not containing a finite verb
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.
Phrase
A short musical passage
Sentence
To decree or announce as a sentence.
Phrase
An expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
Sentence
To utter sententiously.
Phrase
Put into words or an expression;
He formulated his concerns to the board of trustees
Sentence
A string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language;
He always spoke in grammatical sentences
Phrase
A group of words that work together.
The phrase 'over the moon' means very happy.
Sentence
(criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed;
The conviction came as no surprise
Phrase
Part of a sentence, adding context.
With a heavy heart is a phrase indicating sadness.
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
Phrase
A segment of language not necessarily complete.
Running fast is a phrase describing an action.
Sentence
Pronounce a sentence on (somebody) in a court of law;
He was condemned to ten years in prison
Sentence
Conveys statements, questions, exclamation, or commands.
How are you? is an interrogative sentence.
Sentence
Expresses a clear meaning or idea.
The sun sets in the west.
Common Curiosities
Can a sentence exist without a subject?
Imperative sentences, like "Run!", don't explicitly have a subject, but "you" is implied.
Can a phrase stand alone?
A phrase can stand alone in context but doesn't convey a complete thought like a sentence does.
Do all sentences have phrases?
Most sentences contain phrases, but very short sentences might not.
What's the shortest sentence possible?
"Go." or "Be." are examples of short sentences with a subject implied.
Do phrases always make sense on their own?
Not always. Phrases often rely on the context provided by the surrounding sentence.
Is "Hello!" a phrase or sentence?
"Hello!" is an interjection but is also considered a complete sentence as it conveys a full thought.
What's the purpose of a phrase in a sentence?
Phrases provide additional information or context within a sentence.
Can phrases be long?
Yes, phrases can be short or long, but they don't express a complete thought alone.
Is "How are you" a sentence or phrase?
"How are you?" is a sentence because it expresses a complete thought.
What's a verb phrase example?
"Can sing" or "has been running" are verb phrases.
What's an example of a noun phrase?
"The quick brown fox" is a noun phrase.
How do phrases differ from clauses?
Clauses contain a subject and predicate. Phrases lack this complete structure.
Can a sentence have multiple phrases?
Yes, sentences can contain multiple phrases.
Why is sentence structure important?
Proper sentence structure ensures clarity, coherence, and effective communication in language.
Are all sentences long and detailed?
No, sentences can be brief or detailed. Length doesn't determine if it's a sentence; completeness does.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
