Phrase:
* Definition: A group of words that functions as a single unit within a sentence, but doesn't express a complete thought.
* Examples:
* "Running quickly" (adverb phrase)
* "The big red ball" (noun phrase)
* "On the table" (prepositional phrase)
Sentence:
* Definition: A group of words that expresses a complete thought and contains a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a predicate (what the subject does or is).
* Examples:
* "The cat sat on the mat."
* "She is happy."
* "Can you please pass the salt?"
Key Differences:
* Complete thought: A sentence expresses a complete thought, while a phrase doesn't.
* Subject and predicate: A sentence must have both a subject and a predicate. A phrase may or may not have one.
* Function: Phrases function as parts of a sentence, while sentences stand alone.
Think of it this way:
* A phrase is like a building block.
* A sentence is like a complete house built from those blocks.