Independent clause

Independent clause

An independent clause (or main clause) is a clause that can stand by itself, also known as a simple sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate; it makes sense by itself.


Multiple independent clauses can be joined by using a semicolon or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Contents

Examples

  • I love penguins. (simple sentence)
  • I drive a bus. (simple sentence)
  • I am a doctor, and my wife is a lawyer. (compound sentence made up of two independent clauses: I am a doctor and my wife is a lawyer)
  • I want to be a nurse, but I need to receive my science degree. (compound sentence made up of two independent clauses:
(I want to be a nurse)
(I need to receive my science degree)
  • Go to the store, and get me a carton of milk. (compound sentence) (Though a subject is not visible, in English the subject of an imperative is considered to be the pronoun 'you')

See also

References

  • Rozakis, Laurie (2003). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Grammar and Style pp. 152. Alpha. ISBN 1-59257-115-8. 

External links


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • independent clause — n. Gram. a clause that can function syntactically as a complete sentence by itself and that conveys a complete meaning; main clause (Ex.: She will visit us if she can.): distinguished from DEPENDENT CLAUSE * * * …   Universalium

  • independent clause — n. Gram. a clause that can function syntactically as a complete sentence by itself and that conveys a complete meaning; main clause (Ex.: She will visit us if she can.): distinguished from DEPENDENT CLAUSE …   English World dictionary

  • independent clause — n technical a ↑clause which can make a sentence by itself, for example she went home in the sentence She went home because she was tired. = ↑main clause …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • independent clause — noun count LINGUISTICS a part of a sentence that can exist on its own as a separate sentence: MAIN CLAUSE ─ compare DEPENDENT CLAUSE …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • independent clause — noun a clause in a complex sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence • Syn: ↑main clause • Hypernyms: ↑clause • Part Holonyms: ↑complex sentence * * * independent clause see under ↑clause …   Useful english dictionary

  • independent clause — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms independent clause : singular independent clause plural independent clauses linguistics a part of a sentence that can exist on its own as a separate sentence See: dependent clause …   English dictionary

  • independent clause — noun A clause that can stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence; contains at least a subject and a verb. Syn: main clause …   Wiktionary

  • independent clause — noun (C) technical a clause (2) which can make a sentence by itself, for example she went home in the sentence She went home because she was tired. ; main clause …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • independent clause — /ɪndəˈpɛndənt klɔz/ (say induh penduhnt klawz) noun → main clause …  

  • clause — [klôz] n. [OFr < ML clausa, for L clausula, a closing (in legal use, section or clause) < clausus, pp. of claudere, to CLOSE2] 1. Gram. a group of words containing a subject and a finite verb, usually forming part of a compound or complex… …   English World dictionary

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