Final answer:
A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it requires an independent clause to provide a complete thought. Dependent clauses often start with subordinating conjunctions, and are essential in creating complex sentences. The correct answer is option: 1) A phrase that cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence.
Step-by-step explanation:
A dependent clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It is also known as a subordinate clause. Dependent clauses rely on an independent clause to provide a complete thought and meaning.
An example of a dependent clause is "If you chase two rabbits," which cannot stand alone without resulting in a sentence fragment. Such clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like 'if,' 'because,' 'although,' and 'when.'
By contrast, an independent clause can function as a complete sentence on its own. For example, "Hand me that socket wrench" is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought and does not require additional information.
Understanding the difference between dependent and independent clauses is essential in constructing well-formed sentences, such as compound sentences (with more than one independent clause) and complex sentences (with one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses).