What is the Difference Between Phrase and Sentence?

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The difference between a phrase and a sentence lies in their structure and ability to express a complete thought.

Phrase:

  • A phrase is a group of words acting together as a single unit.
  • It does not contain a subject and a predicate.
  • A phrase cannot stand alone and does not express a complete thought.
  • If used alone, a phrase would be a sentence fragment and not a sentence.
  • Phrases may contain nouns and verbs, but they cannot function by themselves as complete sentences.

Sentence:

  • A sentence is a collection of words that include a subject and a predicate.
  • It can stand alone and express a complete thought.
  • A sentence is a collection of words used to express a complete thought.
  • A sentence contains both a subject and a predicate.

In summary, a phrase is a group of words that cannot stand alone and does not express a complete thought, while a sentence is a collection of words that can stand alone and expresses a complete thought. Phrases are simpler units compared to sentences, as they do not contain a subject and a predicate.

Comparative Table: Phrase vs Sentence

Here is a table summarizing the differences between a phrase and a sentence:

Feature Phrase Sentence
Definition A group of words acting as a unit in a sentence A group of words that expresses a complete thought
Complete Thought Does not express a complete thought Expresses a complete thought
Subject and Predicate Does not contain both a subject and a predicate Contains both a subject and a predicate
Information Does not give complete information about the subject or predicate Gives complete information about the subject or predicate
Standing Alone Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence Can stand alone as a complete sentence
Types Noun phrase, verb phrase, adjective phrase, etc. Simple, complex, compound, compound-complex