What is the Difference Between Sentence and Utterance?

The difference between a sentence and an utterance lies in their structure, meaning, and context. Here are the key differences:

1. Structure: A sentence is a well-formed string of words that follow specific grammatical rules, while an utterance is a speech event by a particular speaker in a specific context, which may not necessarily follow a fixed semantic structure.
2. Meaning: A sentence conveys a complete meaning, either spoken or written, whereas an utterance may not necessarily convey a complete meaning. Utterances can include sounds, pauses, or incomplete spoken groups of words.
3. Context: When a speaker uses a sentence in a specific context, they produce an utterance. Utterances are typically confined to spoken language, while sentences can be found in both written and spoken language.

In summary, a sentence is a linguistic expression that conveys a complete meaning, while an utterance is a speech event that may not convey a complete meaning and is usually limited to spoken language. The meaning of an utterance depends on the context in which it is used, as well as the intentions of the speaker.

Comparative Table: Sentence vs Utterance

Here is a table comparing the differences between a sentence and an utterance:

In summary, a sentence is a well-formed string of words with a grammatically complete structure, while an utterance is a speech event produced by a speaker in a specific context. Sentence meaning refers to the meaning derived from words, while utterance meaning includes the speaker's intention and any pragmatic aspects. Sentences can be found in both written and spoken language, whereas utterances are usually confined to spoken language.