California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test 2026 - Free CSET Practice Questions and Study Guide

A phrase is indeed characterized as a group of words that lacks either a subject or a verb, which aligns with the definition provided in this choice. This distinguishes a phrase from a complete sentence or clause, both of which require a subject and a verb to convey a complete thought. For instance, in the phrase "under the table," neither a subject nor a verb is present, demonstrating its incomplete nature.

In contrast, the other options describe features of complete sentences or clauses, rather than phrases. A phrase does not stand alone as a complete sentence, nor does it express a complete thought, thereby emphasizing its function as part of a larger sentence structure rather than a standalone unit. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping the components of sentence construction and grammar.