Sentence vs. Sentance — Which is Correct Spelling?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 20, 2024

"Sentence" is the correct spelling, referring to a grammatically complete set of words. "Sentance" is an incorrect spelling of the word.

Sentence vs. Sentance — Which is Correct Spelling?

Which is correct: Sentence or Sentance

How to spell Sentence?

Sentence

Correct Spelling

Sentance

Incorrect Spelling

Key Differences

Mnemonic: "Sentences End, Not Terminated; Always Note Complete Expression."

Unlike a sentence, a "cent" (as in money) is incomplete; hence, it's not "sentance."

Think of the "tense" in "sentence," which is appropriate since sentences often have tenses.

"Sentence" has two 'e's and two 'n's in sequence; remember them as pairs.

"Sentence" ends in "ence," like other nouns such as "difference" or "evidence."

How Do You Spell Sentance Correctly?

Incorrect: She wrote a long sentance about her vacation.

Correct: She wrote a long sentence about her vacation.

Incorrect: Can you check this sentance for mistakes?

Correct: Can you check this sentence for mistakes?

Incorrect: I need to finish this sentance before we go.

Correct: I need to finish this sentence before we go.

Incorrect: Sentance is a common day at the beach.

Correct: Sentence is a common day at the beach.

Incorrect: The teacher asked for a sentance using a new word.

Correct: The teacher asked for a sentence using a new word.

Sentence Definitions

A sentence is a grammatical unit consisting of one or more words that express a complete thought.

She ran quickly.

In law, a sentence is the punishment assigned to a defendant.

The sentence was five years in prison.

A sentence can be declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory.

Is that true?

Sentences vary in structure, including simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex types.

Although he was late, he still made an effort.

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.

A sentence can also be a mathematical proposition.

The equation represents a sentence in mathematical logic.

The penalty imposed by a law court or other authority upon someone found guilty of a crime or other offense.

(Archaic) A maxim.

(Obsolete) An opinion, especially one given formally after deliberation.

To impose a sentence on (a criminal defendant found guilty, for example).

(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.

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.

A punishment imposed on a person convicted of a crime.

(obsolete) A saying, especially from a great person; a maxim, an apophthegm.

(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.

(logic) A formula with no free variables.

(computing theory) Any of the set of strings that can be generated by a given formal grammar.

(obsolete) Sense; meaning; significance.

(obsolete) One's opinion; manner of thinking.

A pronounced opinion or judgment on a given question.

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.

To decree, announce, or pass as a sentence.

(obsolete) To utter sententiously.

Sense; meaning; significance.

Tales of best sentence and most solace.

The discourse itself, voluble enough, and full of 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.

A philosophical or theological opinion; a dogma; as, Summary of the Sentences; Book of the Sentences.

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.

A short saying, usually containing moral instruction; a maxim; an axiom; a saw.

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.

To pass or pronounce judgment upon; to doom; to condemn to punishment; to prescribe the punishment of.

Nature herself is sentenced in your doom.

To decree or announce as a sentence.

To utter sententiously.

A string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language;

He always spoke in grammatical sentences

(criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed;

The conviction came as no surprise

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

Pronounce a sentence on (somebody) in a court of law;

He was condemned to ten years in prison

Sentence Meaning in a Sentence

If you could describe your vacation in one sentence, what would you say?

With such a unique name, it's a sentence to remember.

Sentence Idioms & Phrases

A run-on sentence

A grammatically faulty sentence in which two or more main or independent clauses are joined without a word to connect them or a punctuation mark to separate them.

I love cooking my family and my pets is a run-on sentence that needs punctuation.

Serve a sentence

To carry out a penalty given by a court, typically involving imprisonment.

He had to serve a sentence of five years for the crime.

A life sentence

A prison sentence that lasts for the convict's lifetime.

The judge gave him a life sentence for his role in the crime.

Common Curiosities

Which vowel is used before Sentence?

"A" as in "a sentence" or "an" if followed by an adjective starting with a vowel sound.

What is the verb form of Sentence?

Sentence (as in "to sentence someone to prison").

Why is it called Sentence?

Derived from Latin "sententia," meaning "opinion," "judgment," or "a way of thinking."

What is the singular form of Sentence?

Sentence.

Which preposition is used with Sentence?

In, of, with, by, and for are common.

What is the root word of Sentence?

Derived from Latin "sententia."

What is the pronunciation of Sentence?

/ˈsɛn.təns/

Which article is used with Sentence?

A or The, depending on context.

What is the plural form of Sentence?

Sentences.

Is Sentence an adverb?

No.

Is Sentence an abstract noun?

It can be considered one in certain contexts, such as "the sentence of the law."

Is Sentence a countable noun?

Yes.

Is the Sentence term a metaphor?

Not inherently, but can be used metaphorically.

What part of speech is Sentence?

Primarily a noun, can also be a verb.

Which conjunction is used with Sentence?

And, or, but are common.

Is the word Sentence a Gerund?

No.

How do we divide Sentence into syllables?

Sen-tence.

What is the opposite of Sentence?

Phrase or acquittal, depending on context.

Is Sentence a noun or adjective?

Primarily a noun, but can also be a verb.

What is the first form of Sentence?

Sentence (noun/verb).

What is the third form of Sentence?

Sentenced (past participle as a verb).

Is Sentence a vowel or consonant?

It's a word, not a letter.

Is the word Sentence imperative?

It can be used in an imperative form as a verb.

Is the word “Sentence” a Direct object or an Indirect object?

It can be either, depending on its use in a sentence.

How many syllables are in Sentence?

Two.

What is the second form of Sentence?

Sentenced (past form as a verb).

Is Sentence a negative or positive word?

Neutral, depends on context.

Is Sentence a collective noun?

No.

What is a stressed syllable in Sentence?

"Sen."

What is another term for Sentence?

Statement or verdict, depending on context.

Which determiner is used with Sentence?

The, this, that, a, depending on context.

How is Sentence used in a sentence?

"The judge will sentence the defendant tomorrow."

Share via Social Media

Embed This Content

Embed Code

Share Directly via Messenger

Link

Previous Comparison

Fith vs. Faith

Next Comparison

Benches vs. Benchs

Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba 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.

Co-written by

Fiza Rafique

Fiza 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.