What is the difference between “the little boy” and “the little boy laughed”? Both groups of words make sense, but only the second is a complete sentence.
The first is a phrase. It names someone but does not tell us what happened. The second is a sentence because it contains a subject and a predicate that work together to express a complete statement.
Understanding phrase vs. sentence is an important part of English grammar. It helps you recognize complete sentences, avoid writing fragments, use punctuation correctly, and organize your ideas clearly.
Consider these examples:
- Under the kitchen table — Prepositional phrase
- The little brown puppy — Noun phrase
- The puppy slept under the kitchen table. — Complete sentence
- Did the puppy sleep? — Complete question
- Please feed the puppy. — Complete command
Although phrases and sentences are different, they work together. A single sentence may contain several phrases, and some phrases can even contain smaller clauses.
This guide explains the difference between a phrase and a sentence using simple definitions, comparison charts, identification rules, 40 numbered examples, common writing mistakes, practice questions, and FAQs.
Quick Answer: Phrase vs. Sentence
A phrase is a grammatical unit organized around a main word, called its head. Examples include the red bicycle, under the bed, and very happy.
A sentence is a complete grammatical unit that normally contains at least one independent clause. It can express a statement, question, command, or exclamation.
For example:
- After school — Phrase
- We played after school. — Sentence
- The old wooden house — Phrase
- The old wooden house needs repairs. — Sentence
Easy rule: A phrase is a grammatical building block, while a sentence is a complete grammatical unit.
A phrase can also be used alone as a natural conversational response. For example, “After lunch.” answers “When should we meet?” However, it remains a prepositional phrase rather than an ordinary independent clause.
TL;DR: Phrase vs. Sentence
- A phrase is a grammatical unit built around a head word.
- A sentence is a complete grammatical structure.
- Phrases often function as subjects, objects, modifiers, or complements.
- Complete sentences normally contain at least one independent clause.
- Verb phrases may contain verbs without forming complete sentences.
- Imperative sentences can have understood subjects, as in “Stop!”
- Conversational fragments may be meaningful without being complete independent clauses.
| Feature | Phrase | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Main structure | Organized around a head | Complete grammatical structure |
| Main purpose | Performs a grammatical function | Expresses a complete grammatical message |
| Subject required? | No | May be understood |
| Can contain verbs? | Yes | Normally contains a predicate |
| Can contain clauses? | Yes | Yes |
| Can stand alone in formal writing? | Usually not as a complete sentence | Yes |
| Example | The happy child | The happy child laughed. |
Phrase vs. Sentence: The Main Difference
The main difference between a phrase and a sentence is grammatical completeness.
A phrase is a unit within a larger grammatical structure. A sentence is a complete grammatical unit that normally contains an independent clause.
Compare:
Phrase: The young girl near the window
Sentence: The young girl near the window smiled.
The phrase identifies a person. The sentence tells us something about that person.
Phrase and Sentence Examples
| Phrase | Complete sentence |
|---|---|
| The friendly neighbor | The friendly neighbor waved. |
| Under the wooden table | The cat slept under the wooden table. |
| Before sunrise | We left before sunrise. |
| Extremely excited | The students were extremely excited. |
| Near the school | A new library opened near the school. |
| The broken window | The broken window needs repairs. |
Why the Difference Matters
When writers confuse phrases with complete sentences, they may create sentence fragments.
For example:
Fragment: The student beside the door.
Complete sentence: The student beside the door raised his hand.
The corrected sentence adds a predicate.
Can a Sentence Contain More Than One Phrase?
Yes.
The little boy placed his backpack under the desk.
This complete sentence contains several phrases.
Key takeaway: A phrase and a sentence describe different grammatical levels. Phrases are often parts of sentences.
What Is a Phrase in English Grammar?
A phrase is a grammatical unit built around a word called its head.
The head determines the phrase’s grammatical category.
A phrase can consist of one word or several words.
Noun Phrase
The bright yellow flowers are blooming.
The head is flowers.
Verb Phrase
She has been studying all afternoon.
The highlighted words form a verb phrase.
Adjective Phrase
The instructions were very helpful.
The head is helpful.
Adverb Phrase
The teacher spoke quite clearly.
The head is clearly.
Prepositional Phrase
The keys are inside the drawer.
The head is the preposition inside.
Can a Phrase Be One Word?
Yes.
In many grammatical analyses, a single word can function as a phrase.
For example:
Students arrived early.
Here, students functions as a noun phrase.
Can a Phrase Contain a Verb?
Yes.
Has been reading is a verb phrase.
She has been reading. is a complete sentence.
The verb phrase forms part of the sentence’s predicate.
Can a Phrase Contain a Clause?
Yes.
The book that you recommended is excellent.
The highlighted noun phrase contains the relative clause that you recommended.
Important: A phrase is not simply a group of words without a verb. Its structure and function determine its classification.
What Is a Sentence in English Grammar?
A sentence is a complete grammatical unit used to communicate a statement, question, command, or exclamation.
In written English, a sentence normally begins with a capital letter and ends with a period, question mark, or exclamation point.
Declarative Sentence
The children are playing outside.
This sentence makes a statement.
Interrogative Sentence
Are the children playing outside?
This sentence asks a question.
Imperative Sentence
Please close the window.
This sentence makes a request.
The subject you is understood.
Exclamatory Sentence
What a beautiful day!
This sentence expresses strong feeling.
Does Every Sentence Have a Written Subject?
No.
Consider:
Stop!
This is a complete imperative sentence with the understood subject you.
Can One Word Be a Complete Sentence?
Yes, especially in imperative sentences.
Examples include:
- Stop!
- Run!
- Listen!
- Wait!
These are complete commands.
Is Every Complete Response a Sentence?
No.
Consider:
Question: Where are the keys?
Answer: On the table.
The answer is meaningful and natural, but on the table remains a prepositional phrase.
Sentence Types by Purpose
| Type | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Declarative | The store opens at nine. | Makes a statement |
| Interrogative | Does the store open at nine? | Asks a question |
| Imperative | Open the door. | Gives a command |
| Exclamatory | What a wonderful surprise! | Expresses strong feeling |
Remember: A complete conversational response is not always an independent grammatical sentence.
Phrase vs. Sentence Comparison Chart
The following table highlights the most important differences between phrases and sentences.
| Question | Phrase | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| What is its structure? | Organized around a head word | Complete grammatical structure |
| Does it need a subject? | No | May have an understood subject |
| Can it contain a verb? | Yes | Normally contains a predicate |
| Can it contain smaller phrases? | Yes | Yes |
| Can it contain a clause? | Yes | Yes |
| Does it normally stand alone in formal prose? | No | Yes |
| Example | The old wooden bridge | The old wooden bridge collapsed. |
Phrase Example
The beautiful red flowers
This is a noun phrase.
Sentence Example
The beautiful red flowers are blooming.
This is a complete sentence.
Phrase Inside a Sentence
The young teacher placed the books on the desk.
The sentence contains a subject noun phrase, an object noun phrase, and a prepositional phrase.
Clause Inside a Phrase
The student who won the competition smiled.
The noun phrase contains the relative clause who won the competition.
Does Punctuation Make a Phrase a Sentence?
No.
Under the table.
This is normally a fragment when presented as a complete sentence in formal writing.
The puppy slept under the table.
This is a complete sentence.
Writing tip: Capital letters and punctuation are useful clues, but grammatical structure determines whether something is a complete sentence.
How to Identify a Phrase in a Sentence
To identify a phrase, look for a grammatical unit organized around a head word.
Step 1: Find the Head Word
The friendly teacher smiled.
The head is teacher.
Step 2: Identify the Phrase Type
She has been working all morning.
The highlighted words form a verb phrase.
Step 3: Look for Modifiers
The movie was extremely interesting.
The adjective interesting is modified by extremely.
Step 4: Identify Prepositional Phrases
The dog slept beside the fireplace.
The preposition beside heads the phrase.
Step 5: Determine Its Function
The young musician played in the auditorium.
The first highlighted phrase functions as the subject.
The second provides location information.
Step 6: Look for Embedded Clauses
The student who answered correctly received a prize.
The highlighted noun phrase contains the relative clause who answered correctly.
Phrase Identification Checklist
Ask yourself:
- What is the head word?
- Which words function together?
- What grammatical role does the phrase play?
- Does it contain another phrase or clause?
Key takeaway: A phrase can be short, long, or contain embedded grammatical structures.
How to Identify a Complete Sentence
A complete sentence normally contains at least one independent clause.
Follow these steps to identify one.
Step 1: Find the Predicate
The teacher explained the lesson.
The predicate is explained the lesson.
Step 2: Identify the Subject
The teacher explained the lesson.
The subject is the teacher.
Step 3: Check for an Independent Clause
The students completed their homework.
This is a complete sentence.
Step 4: Look for Dependent Clauses
Because the students completed their homework
This is a dependent clause.
In formal writing, it normally needs a main clause.
Complete sentence: Because the students completed their homework, they could relax.
Step 5: Recognize Commands
Close the window.
This is a complete imperative sentence.
The subject you is understood.
Step 6: Consider Context
After dinner.
This is a phrase fragment when presented as a complete sentence in formal writing.
However, it is a natural answer to:
When should we meet?
Complete Sentence Checklist
A complete sentence generally:
- Contains an independent clause or another recognized complete sentence construction.
- Has a predicate and an expressed or understood subject where appropriate.
- Makes a statement, asks a question, gives a command, or expresses an exclamation.
- Uses suitable capitalization and punctuation.
Important: Sentence completeness depends on structure, not simply the number of words.
20 Examples of Phrases in Sentences
The bold words in each example identify the phrase being studied.
Noun Phrases
- The little brown puppy slept on the rug.
- A beautiful flower garden surrounds the house.
- My favorite English teacher explained the lesson.
- The old wooden chair needs repairs.
Verb Phrases
- She has been studying all morning.
- They will be traveling next week.
- He might have forgotten his appointment.
- We are preparing dinner.
Adjective Phrases
- The movie was really exciting.
- She felt extremely nervous.
- The instructions were quite simple.
- He looked very tired.
Adverb Phrases
- She answered very politely.
- He finished the assignment quite quickly.
- They worked extremely carefully.
- The baby slept rather peacefully.
Prepositional Phrases
- The keys are under the sofa.
- She arrived before sunset.
- The children played in the backyard.
- We walked along the river.
What These Examples Show
Every full example is a complete sentence, but the highlighted words form a phrase.
For example:
She has been studying all morning.
Has been studying is a verb phrase.
She has been studying all morning is a complete independent clause and sentence.
Remember: A phrase can appear inside a sentence without being a complete sentence itself.
20 Examples of Complete Sentences
These examples show four sentence purposes.
Declarative Sentences
- The sun is shining brightly.
- She enjoys reading mystery novels.
- The children are playing outside.
- We completed the project yesterday.
- The teacher explained the lesson clearly.
Interrogative Sentences
- Where are you going?
- Did you finish your homework?
- Why is the baby crying?
- Have they arrived yet?
- What time does the meeting begin?
Imperative Sentences
- Please close the door.
- Turn off the lights.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Take your time.
- Call me when you arrive.
Exclamatory Sentences
- What a beautiful day!
- That was an amazing performance!
- How quickly time passes!
- What a wonderful surprise!
- We finally won the game!
Sentence Structure Examples
Sentences can also be classified by how their clauses are arranged.
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Simple | The baby slept. |
| Compound | The baby slept, and her parents rested. |
| Complex | The baby slept because she was tired. |
| Compound-complex | The baby slept because she was tired, and her parents rested. |
Key takeaway: Sentence purpose explains what a sentence does. Sentence structure explains how its clauses fit together.
Types of Phrases in English Grammar
English grammar includes several common phrase categories.
Noun Phrases
A noun phrase is organized around a noun or another nominal head.
The talented musician performed.
Verb Phrases
A verb phrase is organized around a verb.
She has been reading.
Adjective Phrases
An adjective phrase is organized around an adjective.
The story was very interesting.
Adverb Phrases
An adverb phrase is organized around an adverb.
He answered quite confidently.
Prepositional Phrases
A prepositional phrase is organized around a preposition.
The dog slept beside the fireplace.
Infinitive Constructions
Traditional school grammar often calls these infinitive phrases.
She wants to learn Spanish.
Many modern grammars analyze to learn Spanish as a nonfinite clause.
Participial Constructions
Traditional grammar often uses the term participial phrase.
Walking through the park, she noticed a bird.
Modern grammar may analyze the highlighted construction as a nonfinite clause.
Gerund Constructions
Traditional grammar often uses the term gerund phrase.
Reading books improves vocabulary.
Many modern analyses classify reading books as a nonfinite clause functioning as the subject.
Phrase Types Chart
| Type | Example | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Noun phrase | The tall student | Names or identifies |
| Verb phrase | Has been studying | Expresses verbal meaning |
| Adjective phrase | Very happy | Describes |
| Adverb phrase | Quite quickly | Modifies |
| Prepositional phrase | Under the table | Expresses a relationship |
| Infinitive construction | To learn Spanish | Expresses an action or purpose |
| Participial construction | Walking home | Adds information |
| Gerund construction | Reading books | Can function as a subject or complement |
Grammar note: Traditional and modern grammar frameworks sometimes use different labels for nonfinite constructions.
Types of Sentences in English Grammar
Sentences can be classified by purpose and structure.
Sentence Types by Purpose
Declarative sentence: Makes a statement.
The library closes at six.
Interrogative sentence: Asks a question.
Does the library close at six?
Imperative sentence: Gives a command, instruction, or request.
Please return the book.
Exclamatory sentence: Expresses strong emotion.
What an exciting story!
Sentence Types by Structure
Simple sentence: Contains one independent clause.
The children played outside.
Compound sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses.
The children played, and their parents watched.
Complex sentence: Contains at least one independent clause and one dependent clause.
The children played because the weather was pleasant.
Compound-complex sentence: Contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
The children played because the weather was pleasant, and their parents watched.
Sentence Structure Chart
| Type | Independent clauses | Dependent clauses |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | One | None |
| Compound | Two or more | None |
| Complex | At least one | At least one |
| Compound-complex | Two or more | At least one |
Can a Sentence Belong to Two Categories?
Yes.
Why did you leave when the meeting ended?
This is an interrogative sentence because it asks a question.
It is also a complex sentence because it contains the dependent clause when the meeting ended.
Important: Sentence purpose and sentence structure are separate classifications.
One-Word Sentences vs. One-Word Responses
Can one word be a complete sentence?
Sometimes, yes. However, not every one-word response has the same grammatical structure.
One-Word Imperative Sentences
Examples:
- Stop!
- Run!
- Listen!
- Wait!
These are complete imperative sentences.
Their subject you is understood.
One-Word Conversational Responses
Consider:
Question: Are you ready?
Answer: Yes.
The word yes is a response particle.
It functions as a complete conversational answer, but it is not an ordinary independent clause.
One-Word Time Expressions
Question: When will you arrive?
Answer: Tomorrow.
The word tomorrow is a natural answer.
However, it is a time expression rather than a standard independent clause.
Conventional Expressions
Thanks!
This is a conventional expression used as a complete utterance.
Its structure differs from that of a typical independent clause.
Comparison Chart
| Expression | Classification | Natural alone? |
|---|---|---|
| Stop! | Imperative sentence | Yes |
| Run! | Imperative sentence | Yes |
| Yes. | Response particle | Yes, in context |
| Thanks! | Conventional expression | Yes |
| Tomorrow. | Time expression | Yes, in context |
| Under the table. | Prepositional phrase | Yes, as an answer |
What Is the Key Difference?
A phrase or word can be complete as a response without being a complete independent clause.
Memory trick: A complete conversational answer does not always have the structure of a complete sentence.
Phrase vs. Sentence: Fragments and Complete Thoughts
A sentence fragment is a word group presented as a complete sentence even though it lacks the grammatical structure normally required for one.
Fragments often occur when writers mistake phrases or dependent clauses for complete sentences.
Phrase Fragment
Fragment: The girl near the window.
This is a noun phrase.
Corrected: The girl near the window waved.
Prepositional Phrase Fragment
Fragment: After the meeting.
Corrected: We went home after the meeting.
Dependent-Clause Fragment
Fragment: Because the bus was late.
Corrected: We arrived late because the bus was late.
Missing Predicate
Fragment: The old house on the corner.
Corrected: The old house on the corner needs repairs.
Fragment Correction Table
| Fragment | Complete sentence |
|---|---|
| Under the old bridge. | The boat passed under the old bridge. |
| The little girl in the garden. | The little girl in the garden smiled. |
| After lunch. | We went outside after lunch. |
| Because it was raining. | We stayed home because it was raining. |
| When the bell rang. | The students left when the bell rang. |
Are Sentence Fragments Always Wrong?
No.
Fragments are common in:
- Everyday conversation
- Dialogue
- Advertising
- Headlines
- Creative writing
For example:
Question: Where did you put the keys?
Answer: On the kitchen counter.
This response is natural.
However, formal academic and professional writing generally favors complete sentences unless fragments are used deliberately.
How to Fix a Sentence Fragment
You can often correct a fragment by adding a predicate, joining it to an independent clause, or rewriting the expression as a complete sentence.
Writing tip: First decide whether a fragment is accidental or intentional. Then edit it according to the writing situation.
Phrase vs. Clause vs. Sentence
A phrase, clause, and sentence are related grammatical units, but each has a different function.
What Is a Phrase?
A phrase is organized around a head word.
Example:
Under the table
What Is a Clause?
A clause contains a predicate and usually a subject.
Example:
The cat slept under the table
What Is a Sentence?
A sentence is a complete grammatical unit.
Example:
The cat slept under the table because it was tired.
Phrase vs. Clause vs. Sentence Chart
| Feature | Phrase | Clause | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main structure | Head-based | Predicate-based | Complete grammatical unit |
| Subject required? | No | Usually, but may be understood | Not always expressed |
| Can stand alone? | Not normally as a sentence | Independent clauses can | Yes |
| Example | In the garden | The children played | The children played in the garden. |
How They Work Together
Consider:
The young boy played in the garden because the weather was pleasant.
This complete sentence contains:
- The young boy — Noun phrase
- In the garden — Prepositional phrase
- Because the weather was pleasant — Dependent clause
- The full expression — Complete sentence
Can a Sentence Contain Multiple Clauses?
Yes.
She finished her homework, and she watched a movie.
This sentence contains two independent clauses.
Can a Phrase Contain a Clause?
Yes.
The student who won the award smiled.
The highlighted noun phrase contains the relative clause who won the award.
Key takeaway: Phrases form grammatical units, clauses express predications, and sentences provide complete grammatical structures.
Common Phrase vs. Sentence Mistakes
Confusing phrases and sentences can cause fragments, run-on sentences, and punctuation mistakes.
Common Mistakes Chart
| Problem | Incorrect or incomplete | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Phrase fragment | The boy near the door. | The boy near the door waved. |
| Dependent-clause fragment | Because the bus was late. | We arrived late because the bus was late. |
| Run-on sentence | I called her she answered. | I called her, and she answered. |
| Comma splice | The rain stopped, we left. | The rain stopped; we left. |
| Missing comma | When the rain stopped we left. | When the rain stopped, we left. |
Mistake 1: Treating a Phrase as a Sentence
Incomplete in formal writing:
Under the kitchen table.
Complete:
The puppy slept under the kitchen table.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the Predicate
Incomplete:
The young student near the window.
Complete:
The young student near the window raised her hand.
Mistake 3: Leaving a Dependent Clause Alone
Incomplete:
Because I was tired.
Complete:
I went home because I was tired.
Mistake 4: Joining Independent Clauses Incorrectly
Incorrect:
She studied hard she passed the test.
Correct:
She studied hard, and she passed the test.
Also correct:
She studied hard; she passed the test.
Mistake 5: Creating a Comma Splice
Incorrect:
The rain stopped, we went outside.
Correct:
The rain stopped, so we went outside.
Also correct:
The rain stopped; we went outside.
Mistake 6: Missing a Comma After an Introductory Clause
Incorrect:
Although it was cold we walked outside.
Correct:
Although it was cold, we walked outside.
Mistake 7: Confusing a Verb Phrase With a Sentence
Has been studying is a verb phrase.
She has been studying. is a complete sentence.
Easy Memory Tricks
- Phrase: Grammatical building block.
- Clause: Contains a predicate.
- Sentence: Complete grammatical unit.
- Fragment: Incomplete structure presented as a sentence.
- Imperative: Command with an often-understood subject.
- Dependent clause: Normally needs a larger grammatical structure.
Best tip: Find the predicate, check the subject, and determine whether the structure forms a complete sentence.
Phrase vs. Sentence Practice Quiz
Choose the best answer for each question.
Questions
1. Which option is a prepositional phrase?
A. The dog barked.
B. Under the table
C. She is reading.
D. Close the door.
2. Which option is a complete declarative sentence?
A. Before the meeting
B. The little red bicycle
C. The children played outside.
D. Under the chair
3. Which option is a complete imperative sentence?
A. The blue car
B. After lunch
C. Close the window.
D. Under the bed
4. In the exchange “When will you arrive?” — “Tomorrow,” what is “Tomorrow” best described as?
A. An ordinary independent clause
B. A contextual one-word response
C. A complete imperative sentence
D. A compound sentence
5. Which option correctly fixes the fragment “Because it was raining”?
A. Because it was raining.
B. Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
C. Because it was raining, and.
D. Because it was raining, because.
6. Which sentence correctly joins two independent clauses?
A. She finished her homework she watched TV.
B. She finished her homework, she watched TV.
C. She finished her homework, and she watched TV.
D. She finished her homework because of she watched TV.
Answers and Explanations
1. B — Under the table.
It is a prepositional phrase expressing location.
2. C — The children played outside.
It contains an independent clause and communicates a complete statement.
3. C — Close the window.
This is a complete imperative sentence with the understood subject you.
4. B — A contextual one-word response.
Tomorrow is a natural answer to the question, but it is not an ordinary independent clause.
5. B — Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
The independent clause we stayed inside completes the sentence.
6. C — She finished her homework, and she watched TV.
The comma and coordinating conjunction and correctly join two independent clauses.
Answer Key
1-B | 2-C | 3-C | 4-B | 5-B | 6-C
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a phrase and a sentence?
A phrase is a grammatical unit organized around a head word, while a sentence is a complete grammatical unit. For example, under the table is a phrase, but the cat slept under the table is a complete sentence.
Can a phrase be a complete sentence?
A phrase normally does not form a complete independent sentence in formal writing. However, phrases can function as natural conversational answers, headlines, or deliberate fragments. For example, on the table is a natural response to where are the keys?
Can a sentence contain several phrases?
Yes. Most sentences contain multiple phrases. For example, the young student studied in the library includes the noun phrase the young student and the prepositional phrase in the library.
Can a phrase contain a verb?
Yes. A verb phrase can contain a main verb and auxiliary verbs. For example, has been working is a verb phrase. Adding a subject creates the complete independent clause she has been working.
Can one word be a complete sentence?
Yes. Imperatives such as Stop! and Run! can be complete sentences because their subject you is understood. Other one-word expressions, such as yes or tomorrow, may be complete conversational responses without being ordinary independent clauses.
What are five examples of phrases?
Five examples are under the table, the old house, very happy, quite quickly, and has been working. These are examples of prepositional, noun, adjective, adverb, and verb phrases.
What are five examples of complete sentences?
Five examples are She smiled., The dog barked., Are you ready?, Close the door., and What a wonderful surprise! They include statements, a question, a command, and an exclamation.
How can I tell whether something is a phrase or a sentence?
Check the grammatical structure. A phrase is organized around a head word and usually functions within a larger structure. A sentence normally contains at least one independent clause, although commands can have understood subjects. Do not rely on punctuation alone.
Conclusion and References
Understanding phrase vs. sentence helps you recognize grammatical structure, avoid sentence fragments, and improve your writing.
A phrase is a grammatical unit organized around a head word. It can contain nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, or even embedded clauses.
A sentence is a complete grammatical unit used to make a statement, ask a question, give a command, or express an exclamation.
Remember these examples:
- Under the table — Prepositional phrase
- The little dog — Noun phrase
- The dog slept. — Complete declarative sentence
- Please close the door. — Complete imperative sentence
- The dog slept under the table. — Sentence containing a prepositional phrase
- Tomorrow. — Contextual one-word response, not an ordinary independent clause
The best way to identify the difference is to examine the structure and ask whether the words form a complete grammatical sentence or function as a phrase within a larger structure.
Final memory rule: A phrase is a grammatical building block; a sentence is a complete grammatical unit.
References
For further reading, consult these established English grammar resources: