COMPOSITION: Phrases and Sentences

Front

What is a sentence?

Back

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. It has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a phrase?

Back

A phrase is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. It may be part of a sentence.

Front

Example of a sentence: 'The cat jumped on the bed.'

Back

This is a sentence because it tells us what the cat did.

Front

Example of a phrase: 'More sugar in the recipe.'

Back

This is a phrase because it does not tell us a complete thought.

Front

What does a sentence always have?

Back

A sentence always has a subject (who or what) and a verb (action or state of being).

Front

Can a phrase stand alone?

Back

No, a phrase cannot stand alone as a complete thought.

Front

Example of a sentence: 'James ate all the soda crackers.'

Back

This is a sentence because it tells us what James did.

Front

Example of a phrase: 'On the couch.'

Back

This is a phrase because it does not tell us a complete thought.

Front

What is the purpose of a sentence?

Back

The purpose of a sentence is to communicate a complete idea or thought.

Front

What is the purpose of a phrase?

Back

The purpose of a phrase is to add detail or context but not to complete an idea.