Sentence:
* A grammatical unit: A sentence is a structured sequence of words that conveys a complete thought. It typically follows grammatical rules, including subject-verb agreement and proper punctuation.
* Abstract and ideal: A sentence is a theoretical construct, representing a perfect grammatical form. It exists independently of any actual speech or writing.
* Focus on structure and meaning: Sentences are analyzed for their grammatical structure, syntax, and semantic content.
Utterance:
* A spoken or written instance: An utterance is a specific instance of speech or writing, produced by a speaker or writer. It is a concrete realization of a sentence.
* Context-dependent: Utterances are highly context-dependent, meaning their meaning and interpretation can vary depending on the situation, speaker, and listener.
* Focus on pragmatics and performance: Utterances are analyzed for their pragmatic function, how they are used in communication, and how they are affected by the speaker's intentions and the context of the interaction.
Here's an example to illustrate:
Sentence: "The cat sat on the mat."
Utterance: "The cat sat on the mat." (spoken by a child pointing to a cat on a mat)
The sentence is a grammatical unit representing a complete thought. The utterance is a specific instance of someone saying the sentence in a particular context. The utterance's meaning could be interpreted differently depending on the context, like if the child is making a statement of fact, asking a question, or expressing surprise.
Key Takeaways:
* Sentences are abstract grammatical units, while utterances are concrete instances of speech or writing.
* Sentences focus on structure and meaning, while utterances focus on pragmatics and performance.
* Utterances are context-dependent, while sentences are generally not.
Understanding the difference between sentences and utterances is crucial for analyzing language in its natural context and comprehending how language is used in real-world communication.