Which option is a phrase rather than a clause?

• A. When the rain stopped
• B. Running quickly
• C. The cat slept
• D. He ran.

Answer: (B)

Understanding the difference between a phrase and a clause is key. A clause has a subject and a predicate with a finite verb and can stand as a sentence (independent) or be part of one (dependent). A phrase lacks both a subject and a finite verb.

Running quickly is a phrase because it consists of a participle form “Running” plus an adverb “quickly” and does not include a subject performing a finite action. It isn’t a complete thought on its own.

When the rain stopped contains a subject (the rain) and a verb (stopped), but the word that starts it makes it a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence.

The cat slept has a clear subject and a finite verb and can stand as its own sentence.

He ran also has a subject and a finite verb and can stand as a complete sentence.