In traditional grammar, an independent clause (also known as a main or matrix 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 <u>underlined</u>, and conjunctions are in bold.
Single independent clauses:
- <u>I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone</u>.
- <u>My favourite flavour is chocolate</u>.
- <u>Let's go to the shop</u>.
Multiple independent clauses:
- <u>I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone</u>; <u>my favourite flavour is chocolate</u>.
- <u>I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone</u>, so <u>let's go to the shop</u>.
See also
- Comma splice
- Conditional sentence
- Dependent clause
- Relative clause
- Run-on sentence
- Sentence clause structure
References
External links
- Clauses: Independent , The Tongue Untied
- Clauses, Online Writing Lab
- Independent & Dependent Clauses, My Schoolhouse