Independent Clause
What is an independent clause? Need help understanding what is an independent clause and what isn’t? Check out our page and find examples of what is an independent clause, and learn how to weave an independent clause into your own writing.
All sentences are made up of one or more clauses. Some clauses are dependent, while others are independent.
What Is an Independent Clause?
A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb or verb phrase. Unlike a dependent clause, an independent clause (also known as a main clause) expresses a complete thought. It can either stand as a sentence by itself or be combined with one or more dependent or independent clauses to form a sentence. Even when an independent clause is joined with other clauses, it is capable of standing on its own as a sentence.
Examples of What is an Independent Clause:
(Mom took the car to get fixed is an independent clause. It contains the subject Mom and the verb took. The clause expresses a complete thought and stands on its own as a sentence.)
(Gabriel is playing with toys in his room is an independent clause. It contains the subject Gabriel and the verb phrase is playing. The clause expresses a complete thought and stands on its own as a sentence.)
( I will wait to buy a car is an independent clause. It contains the subject I and the verb phrase will wait. The clause expresses a complete thought and can stand on its own as a sentence.)
( Nate will be late for the concert is an independent clause. It contains the subject Nate and the verb phrase will be. The clause expresses a complete thought and can stand on its own as a sentence.)
( She did it anyway is an independent clause. It contains the subject she and the verb did. The clause expresses a complete thought and can stand on its own as a sentence.)
( The quarterback dropped the football is an independent clause. It contains the subject quarterback and the verb dropped. The clause expresses a complete thought and can stand on its own as a sentence.)
( We will surprise her with a birthday party is an independent clause. It contains the subject we and the verb phrase will surprise. The clause expresses a complete thought and can stand on its own as a sentence.)
( We still had a good time is an independent clause. It contains the subject we and the verb had. The clause expresses a complete thought and can stand on its own as a sentence.)
( She needs to practice more is an independent clause. It contains the subject she and the verb needs. The clause expresses a complete thought and can stand on its own as a sentence.)
( The cake burned is an independent clause. It contains the subject cake and the verb burned. The clause expresses a complete thought and can stand on its own as a sentence.)
( We are going to bike along the lakeshore for 10 miles is an independent clause. It contains the subject we and the verb phrase are going. Then we will return is another independent clause. It contains the subject we and the verb phrase will return. Both clauses express a complete thought and can stand on their own as a sentence.)
( José is playing baseball at the park is an independent clause. It contains the subject José and the verb phrase is playing. He should be home soon is another independent clause. It contains the subject he and the verb phrase should be. Both clauses express a complete thought and can stand on their own as a sentence.)
Related Topics:
Clause Overview
Dependent Clause
Adjective Clause
Noun Clause
Relative Clause
Adverb Clause
Restrictive Clause
Nonrestrictive Clause
Elliptical Clause
All Grammar Terms