Sentence Structure: Phrases/Clauses
Identify each group of underlined words as a prepositional phrase, a dependent/subordinate clause or an independent clause.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
1. The librarian took from her desk a new edition of one of the classics.
- A.
Prepositional phrase
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Dependent/subordinate clause
Correct Answer
A. Prepositional phraseExplanation
The correct answer is "prepositional phrase" because the phrase "from her desk" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying the verb "took." It provides additional information about where the action of taking the book occurred.Rate this question:
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- 2.
2. It is unfortunate that Mr. Jones will not return.
- A.
Prepositional phrase
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Dependent/subordinate clause
Correct Answer
C. Dependent/subordinate clauseExplanation
The given sentence "It is unfortunate that Mr. Jones will not return" contains a dependent/subordinate clause. The clause "that Mr. Jones will not return" cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and depends on the main clause "It is unfortunate." The dependent/subordinate clause adds additional information to the main clause and cannot function independently.Rate this question:
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- 3.
3. The man whose neck was broken has recovered completely.
- A.
Prepositional phrase
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Dependent/subordinate clause
Correct Answer
C. Dependent/subordinate clauseExplanation
The given sentence "The man whose neck was broken has recovered completely" is an example of a dependent/subordinate clause. This is because the clause "whose neck was broken" cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and it is dependent on the main clause "The man has recovered completely" to make sense. The dependent clause provides additional information about the man, specifying the reason for his recovery.Rate this question:
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- 4.
4. Gayle is the one for whom you are looking.
- A.
Prepositional phrase
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Dependent/subordinate clause
Correct Answer
B. Independent clauseExplanation
The given sentence "Gayle is the one for whom you are looking" is an independent clause because it can stand alone as a complete sentence. It has a subject ("Gayle") and a predicate ("is the one for whom you are looking") that expresses a complete thought. The sentence does not depend on any other clause to make sense, making it an independent clause.Rate this question:
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- 5.
5. If the manager is unable to help, try the assistant manager.
- A.
Prepositional phrase
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Dependent/subordinate clause
Correct Answer
B. Independent clauseExplanation
The given sentence "If the manager is unable to help, try the assistant manager" is an independent clause because it can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought and does not rely on any other part of the sentence for its meaning.Rate this question:
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- 6.
6. Many books of mysteries and detective stories are found in our library.
- A.
Prepositional phrase
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Dependent/subordinate clause
Correct Answer
A. Prepositional phraseExplanation
The phrase "of mysteries and detective stories" functions as a prepositional phrase in this sentence. It provides additional information about the books and shows the relationship between the books and the mysteries and detective stories. Prepositional phrases typically begin with a preposition (in this case, "of") and end with a noun or pronoun (in this case, "mysteries and detective stories").Rate this question:
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- 7.
7. Because my wife entered the pie contest, I was unable to be a judge.
- A.
Prepositional phrase
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Dependent/subordinate clause
Correct Answer
C. Dependent/subordinate clauseExplanation
The given sentence "Because my wife entered the pie contest, I was unable to be a judge" contains a dependent/subordinate clause. This is because the clause "Because my wife entered the pie contest" cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and relies on the main clause "I was unable to be a judge" to make sense. The dependent/subordinate clause provides additional information about the reason or cause for the main clause.Rate this question:
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- 8.
8. The report that the island is under water is misleading.
- A.
Prepositional phrase
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Dependent/subordinate clause
Correct Answer
C. Dependent/subordinate clauseExplanation
The given sentence "The report that the island is under water is misleading" contains a dependent/subordinate clause. This clause, "that the island is under water," cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and relies on the main clause "The report is misleading" for its meaning. The dependent/subordinate clause provides additional information about the report, specifying the content or subject matter of the report.Rate this question:
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- 9.
9. The city council objected when the mayor changed his mind.
- A.
Prepositional phrase
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Dependent/subordinate clause
Correct Answer
C. Dependent/subordinate clauseExplanation
The given sentence "The city council objected when the mayor changed his mind" contains a dependent/subordinate clause. This is because the clause "when the mayor changed his mind" cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and is dependent on the main clause "The city council objected." The dependent clause provides additional information about the timing or condition under which the city council objected.Rate this question:
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- 10.
10. Our work on the planning committee includes all kinds of new ideas and concepts.
- A.
Prepositional phrase
- B.
Independent clause
- C.
Dependent/subordinate clause
Correct Answer
A. Prepositional phraseExplanation
The given sentence contains the phrase "on the planning committee," which functions as a prepositional phrase. Prepositional phrases begin with a preposition (in this case, "on") and end with a noun or pronoun (in this case, "the planning committee"). They provide additional information about location, time, or other relationships in a sentence. In this sentence, the prepositional phrase "on the planning committee" tells us where the speaker's work is focused, indicating that they are involved in the planning committee and its activities.Rate this question:
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Nov 09, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 02, 2009Quiz Created by
Jmweaver
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