Independent Clauses

Independent clauses can stay alone and they are used as a whole meaningful sentence. In this lesson, we will learn about them.

Independent Clauses in English Grammar

What Are Independent Clauses?

Independent clauses are groups of words that contain a subject and a verbs and express a complete thought. They are also known as main clauses because they can stand alone as a sentence and do not require any additional information to be grammatically correct.

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:

She made a cup of coffee.

In this example, 'she' is the subject and 'made a cup of coffee' is the predicate.

Sam stayed at home yesterday.

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.

using an independent clause in a sentence

How to Connect Two Independent Clauses?

There are different ways for connecting two independent clauses, inlcuding:

Using Coordinating Conjunctions

There are seven coordinating conjunctions that are used to connect two independent clauses. Check them out on the list:

  1. and
  2. but
  3. for
  4. or
  5. nor
  6. yet
  7. 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, but she never showed up.

You have made up your mind, so I guess we are done.

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, so I gave her a present. → coordinating conjunction

I am studying really hard so I can enter university. → subordinating conjunction

Using Semicolons

Semicolons (;) are used to separate two independent clauses. When using semicolons, there is no need to use a coordinating conjunction. Here are the examples:

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; therefore, I decided to go home early.

I called John; however, he seems to be really angry with me.

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 because I had worked hard.

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:

  1. subject
  2. predicate

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