Choose the word that best matches the following definition:
... a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming a component of a clause.
Group of answer choices
Proposition
Idiom
Clause
Phrase
Phrase
The word that best matches the given definition is "Phrase." A phrase is a small group of words that function as a unit within a sentence. It does not have a subject and a verb, so it cannot express a complete thought on its own.
To determine the word that best matches the given definition, we need to understand the meanings of the options provided.
1. Proposition: A proposition is a statement or idea that expresses a judgment or opinion. It does not necessarily refer to a group of words forming a conceptual unit within a clause, so it is unlikely to be the correct answer.
2. Idiom: An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal interpretation. While it does refer to a group of words, it is not specifically related to a conceptual unit within a clause, so it is also unlikely to be the correct answer.
3. Clause: A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb and forms a complete thought. This option closely matches the given definition, as it refers to a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit within a sentence or clause.
4. Phrase: A phrase is a group of words that functions as a single unit within a sentence but does not have both a subject and verb to form a complete thought. While it refers to a group of words, it does not necessarily indicate a conceptual unit within a clause, making it less likely to be the correct answer.
Based on their meanings, the word that best matches the given definition is "clause," as it specifically refers to a small group of words forming a conceptual unit within a clause of a sentence.