Independent Clauses
Independent clauses can stay alone and they are used as a whole meaningful sentence. In this lesson, we will learn about them.
What Are Independent Clauses?
Independent Clauses: Formation
Independent clauses start with a subject followed by a predicate. The subject can be a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun. A predicate consists of a verb phrase and states something about the subject. Check out the examples:
In this example, 'she' is the subject and 'made a cup of coffee' is the predicate.
Exceptions
Imperatives don't have an explicit subject because the subject is implied. Nevertheless, they are considered independent clauses because they form complete sentences and convey a complete thought. For example:
Close the door.
This clause is independent because it can stand alone and communicates a clear command.
Fire the weapon!
Exclamations express a strong emotion, reaction, or emphasis. While they do not include a verb (and sometimes even a subject), they are considered complete because their meaning is understood from the context.
What a disaster!
Amazing!
The full sentence is "This is amazing!" but the subject and verb are omitted because the expression of an emotion is the focus.
How to Connect Two Independent Clauses?
There are different ways for connecting two independent clauses, inlcuding:
- using a coordinating conjunction
- using semicolon
- using a conjunctive adverbs
Using Coordinating Conjunctions
There are seven coordinating conjunctions that are used to connect two independent clauses. Check them out on the list:
- and
- but
- for
- or
- nor
- yet
- so
When we use a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses, we have to use a comma before it. Consider the examples:
I was waiting for her,
You have made up your mind,
Warning
Remember, coordinating conjunctions can sometimes be subordinating conjunctions. Among these seven coordinating conjunctions 'so' is used as both coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. For example:
She was angry,
I am studying really hard
Using Semicolons
Semicolons (
I was not ready to go abroad; I decided to go anyway.
I found her; she was playing with the kids in the garden.
Using a Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs can connect two independent clauses. When using a conjunctive adverb, you need to put a semicolon before and a comma after it (semicolon (;) + conjunctive adverb + comma (,)) to link two independent clauses to each other. Here are the most common conjunctive adverbs:
- accordingly, consequently, therefore, thus
- however, nevertheless, otherwise, still
- then, besides, furthermore, moreover
Check out the examples for more clarification:
I was tired;
I called John;
What Is a Comma Splice?
A comma splice is when you link two independent clauses to each other using only a comma which is grammatically incorrect. To avoid this problem add a coordinating conjunction after the comma or just use a full stop instead of the comma. Check out the examples:
✗She was tired, she went to bed early.
✓She was tired, so she went to bed early.
✓She was tired. She went to bed early.
Sentences Vs. Independent Clauses
Each independent clause is considered a sentence, but not all sentences are independent clauses. An independent clause is made of a subject and verb but a sentence can be made up of more than one clause. Pay attention to the examples:
This is not the problem.
An independent clause which is a sentence on its own.
I was tired
A sentence with a dependent and independent clause
Review
Independent clauses can stand alone as a meaningful sentence. Here are the parts of an independent clause:
- subject
- predicate