LoginIndependent Clauses
In this lesson we learn about independent clauses, which are essential groups of words that contain a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
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.
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:
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, 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:
subject
predicate
Quiz:
Which of the following is an example of an independent clause?
She walked slowly to the park.
Because she walked slowly to the park.
Walking slowly to the park.
When she walked slowly to the park.
Which sentence correctly connects two independent clauses?
I went to the beach, I forgot my sunscreen.
She loves to dance, but she is shy.
They were excited to see the movie, after the show started.
I don’t like cold weather, therefore I wore a jacket.
Sort the words to form a sentence using a conjunctive adverb:
Fill in the blanks with the correct words or punctuation to connect the independent clauses.
Sarah wanted to go to the park,
it started raining.
She loves painting;
, she doesn't have much time to practice lately.
The team played really well
they won the game.
I was feeling really tired
so I decided to take a short nap
Which of the following is true about independent clauses and sentences?
Every sentence is an independent clause.
Independent clauses cannot stand alone in a sentence.
A sentence with more than one clause can never have an independent clause.
An independent clause can be part of a sentence with other clauses.
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