How is a phrase different from a dependent clause?
a. A dependent clause cannot stand alone in a sentence, but a phrase can.
b. A phrase has both a noun and a verb, but a dependent clause does not.
c. A dependent clause can stand alone in a sentence, but a phrase cannot.
d. A phrase has either a noun or a verb, but a dependent clause has both.
a. A dependent clause cannot stand alone in a sentence, but a phrase can.
The correct answer is a. A dependent clause cannot stand alone in a sentence, but a phrase can.
A phrase is a group of words that functions as a single unit within a sentence, and it does not have a subject and a verb. Phrases are commonly used to add description or provide additional information in a sentence.
On the other hand, a dependent clause is a group of words that also does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb but relies on an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Therefore, the main difference between a phrase and a dependent clause is that a phrase can stand alone in a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot.
The correct answer is a. A dependent clause cannot stand alone in a sentence, but a phrase can.
To understand the difference between a phrase and a dependent clause, it is important to know the definition of each:
1. Phrase: A phrase is a group of related words that does not contain both a subject and a verb. It functions as a single part of speech and does not express a complete thought. Examples of phrases include "in the morning," "on the table," or "with a smile."
2. Dependent Clause: A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Unlike an independent clause, a dependent clause relies on an independent clause to form a complete sentence. Examples of dependent clauses include "because she was tired," "although it was raining," or "since I arrived."
Now let's compare the options provided:
a. A dependent clause cannot stand alone in a sentence, but a phrase can.
This is the correct answer. A dependent clause is unable to function as a complete sentence on its own and relies on an independent clause to form a complete thought. However, a phrase can stand alone in a sentence without the need for additional clauses.
b. A phrase has both a noun and a verb, but a dependent clause does not.
This is not the correct answer. Both a phrase and a dependent clause can contain a noun and a verb. The presence of a noun and a verb alone does not define the difference between the two.
c. A dependent clause can stand alone in a sentence, but a phrase cannot.
This is not the correct answer. As mentioned earlier, a dependent clause requires an independent clause to complete a sentence. It cannot stand alone and express a complete thought.
d. A phrase has either a noun or a verb, but a dependent clause has both.
This is not the correct answer. Both a phrase and a dependent clause can have both a noun and a verb. The presence of a noun and a verb alone does not differentiate the two.