Question

If a unit of language is longer than a sentence, it is:

• A. A phrase
• B. A clause
• C. Discourse
• D. Word class

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Discourse

📌 Discourse refers to language use beyond the sentence level — it includes connected speech or writing that forms larger units like conversations, essays, stories, or speeches.
📌 Discourse analysis studies how sentences combine to create meaning in larger contexts.

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💡 The other options:

• Phrase → a group of words without a subject-verb combination

• Clause → a group of words with a subject and verb

• Word class → refers to parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.)

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📝 Example:
A dialogue, a newspaper article, or a novel is all considered discourse.