Core Idea:
Dependent markers like because, although, after, since, in spite of
If there is no subject and no verb, it cannot be a clause.
Therefore, it is only a phrase.
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Possible types of phrases with a dependent marker:
1. Prepositional phrase → Because of the rain
2. Adjective phrase → Full of energy (can sometimes start with a dependent marker)
3. Adverbial phrase → After a long day
4. Participial phrase → Being tired
5. Infinitive phrase → To win the game
> These types cover all cases when a dependent marker exists without a subject or verb.
It cannot be anything else, because a clause requires a subject + verb.
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Memory Shortcut:
Dependent marker + subject + verb → dependent clause
Dependent marker without subject or verb → phrase only
Phrase types: prepositional, adjective, adverbial, participial, infinitive
Nothing else is possible in this scenario.