How is a phrase different from a dependent clause?

Question

A dependent clause cannot stand alone in a sentence, but a phrase can
A phrase has either a noun or a verb, but a dependent clause has both
A dependent clause can stand alone in a sentence, but a phrase can not
A phrase has both a noun and a verb, but a dependent clause does not

Answer 1

The correct distinction between a phrase and a dependent clause is:

A dependent clause cannot stand alone in a sentence, but a phrase can.

To clarify further:

• A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought, meaning it cannot stand alone as a sentence (e.g., "Although he was tired").

• A phrase, on the other hand, does not contain both a subject and a verb and is typically a group of words that functions as a single unit in a sentence (e.g., "in the morning" or "running quickly"). Some phrases may have a noun or a verb, but they do not express a complete thought like a dependent clause does.