Independent clause

In traditional grammar, an independent clause (or main clause) is a clause that can stand by itself as a simple sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and makes sense by itself.

Independent clauses can be joined by using a semicolon or by using a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet, etc.).

Examples

In the following example sentences, independent clauses are underlined, and conjunctions are in bold.

Single independent clauses:

• I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone.
• My favourite flavour is chocolate.
• Let's go to the shop.

Multiple independent clauses:

• I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone; my favourite flavour is chocolate.
• I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone, so let's go to the shop.

See also

• Comma splice
• Conditional sentence
• Dependent clause
• Relative clause
• Run-on sentence
• Sentence clause structure

References

• Template:Cite book

External links

• Clauses: Independent Template:Webarchive, The Tongue Untied
• Clauses, Online Writing Lab
• Independent & Dependent Clauses, My Schoolhouse

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