Independent clause
{{Short description|Grammatical clause that can be a sentence on its own}}
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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
References
- {{cite book|author=Rozakis, Laurie|title=The Complete Idiot's Guide to Grammar and Style|publisher=Alpha|year=2003|isbn=1-59257-115-8|pages=152}}
External links
- [http://www.grammaruntied.com/blog/?p=1187 Clauses: Independent] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107001357/http://www.grammaruntied.com/blog/?p=1187 |date=2021-11-07 }}, The Tongue Untied
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20150531232759/http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/clauses.htm Clauses], Online Writing Lab
- [http://www.myschoolhouse.com/courses/O/1/56.asp Independent & Dependent Clauses], My Schoolhouse
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