Difference Between a Sentence & an Utterance

Sentence vs Utterance

In linguistics, there are differences between the terms sentence and utterance. A sentence is a group of words that convey a meaning and can be found in both written and spoken language. An utterance, on the other hand, is a group of words or a part of speech between pauses and is usually confined to spoken language. This article will explore these differences and provide a comprehensive understanding of both terms.

What is a Sentence?

A sentence is a group of words that conveys a complete meaning or thought. It typically contains at least a subject and verb, which highlights that a sentence conveys a complete meaning because it is a combination of words. Sentences can be simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex, and are made up of various phrases. To understand the difference between a sentence and an utterance, one must view the sentence as having at least a main clause, while an utterance does not always have a main clause. Sometimes an utterance can be just a few words, such as “not much” or “maybe,” which still convey a meaning, but not a complete one.

What is an Utterance?

An utterance can be understood as a unit of speech, defined as a part of speech between pauses and silence. This usually applies to spoken language and not for written language. This feature can be considered as a difference that exists between a sentence and an utterance. An utterance can be a single word, a group of words, a clause, or even a complete sentence. In spoken language, there are more pauses and silence, and the spoken words between two pauses are referred to as an utterance.

Key Takeaways

  • A sentence is a group of words that convey a complete meaning and can be found in both written and spoken language.
  • An utterance is a group of words or a part of speech between pauses, usually confined to spoken language.
  • The difference between a sentence and utterance is that while a sentence conveys a complete meaning through a combination of clauses, an utterance conveys a meaning through a few words that may not even compile a clause.
Gil Tillard
Gil Tillard
Gil Tillard is an accomplished writer with expertise in creating engaging articles and content across various platforms. His dedication to research and crafting high-quality content has led to over 5 years of professional writing and editing experience. In his personal life, Gil enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. His curiosity and eagerness to learn from others fuel his passion for communication. He believes that engaging with strangers can be both enlightening and enjoyable, making it easier to strike up conversations and expand one's horizons.

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