Independent Clause - Definition, Rules and Examples

Independent Clauses

Independent clauses are the most common clauses in English. Every sentence contains at least one independent clause. This article teaches you all you need to know about independent clause. In this article, we've covered:

1. Independent clause definition

2. Independent clause examples

3. How to identify an independent clause?

4. Rules related to independent clause

5. Independent clause exercises 

6. FAQs about independent clause

Independent Clause: Definition and Meaning

Cambridge Dictionary defines independent clause as "Main (or independent) clauses can form sentences on their own. They aren't dependent on other clauses. They are always finite (they must contain a verb which shows tense)."

From the definition above, we learn that:

1. An independent clause is also known as main clause.

2. It can form a complete sentence on its own.

3. It expresses a complete thought or idea.

4. It must contain a finite verb (a verb that shows tense).

5. It is not dependent on any other clause to express its meaning.

Independent Clause Examples

a. I know why you're sad today.

b. He attended the class yesterday.

The clauses in bold are independent clauses because they fulfill all the conditions of an independent clause. In example (a), the part of sentence in bold, I know is an independent clause. In example (b), the entire sentence, he attended the class yesterday is an independent clause.

How to Identify an Independent Clause?

To identify an independent clause, follow the below-given steps.

1. Look for how many subjects and verbs are present in a given sentence.

2. Separate each clause from the sentence.

3. Now see which of the separated clauses gives a complete thought.

4. Name the clause expressing a complete thought an independent clause.

Let's take "I know why you are sad." for example. 

Step 1. We find that in the sentence, "I know why you are sad.", there are two subjects and two verbs (I=subject, know=verb, you=subject, are=verb). 

Step 2. When we separate each clause, we end up with two clauses "I know" and "why you are sad".

Step 3. We find that out of the two clauses ("I know" and "why you are sad"), the clause I know makes a complete thought, can stand alone and is not dependent on any other phrase to express its meaning. On the other hand, the clause why you are sad does not make a complete thought and is, to express its complete meaning, dependent on the first clause I know.

Step 4. After the analysis, we name the first clause I know an independent clause and the second clause why you are sad a dependent clause.

Rules of Independent Clause

Rule 1. Don't use a comma when two short independent clauses are joined by any of the coordinating conjunctions.

Example: He saw a lion and he ran away. (no comma before and)

Rule 2. Use a comma when two long independent clauses are connected by any of the coordinating conjunctions.

Example: He saw a lion while passing through a forest, and he ran away all of a sudden. (a comma before and)

Rule 3. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses when there's no coordinating conjunction. 

Example: He saw a lion; he ran away. (a semicolon between two clauses)

Rule 4. Use a semicolon before and a comma after any conjunctive adverb used.

Example: He saw a lion; therefore, he decided to run away. (a semicolon before and a comma after the conjunctive adverb)

Rule 5. Use no comma when an independent clause comes before a dependent clause.

Example: He ran away because he saw lion. (no comma)

Rule 6. Use a comma when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause.

Example: Because he saw a lion, he ran away. (comma between the two clauses)

Independent Clauses Exercises

Which of the following is an independent clause?

a. I went to the department yesterday, but I did not attend the class. 

b. I couldn't attend the class yesterday because I was sick.

c. As mountains possess natural beauty, they enthrall everyone.

d. William Wordsworth believes that nature is a healer.

e. John thinks twice before he speaks something.

Answer keys:

a. Both the clauses are independent clause. 

b. I couldn't attend the class yesterday.

c. They enthrall everyone.

d. William Wordsworth believes 

e. John thinks twice.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is an independent clause?

An independent clause has a subject and predicate (finite verb). It can stand alone. It can make a complete thought. It can form a complete sentence or part of a sentence. It does not depend on any other clause to express its meaning.

Which contains an independent clause?

The following sentences contain independent clauses. The independent clauses are in bold. 

1. I couldn't attend the class yesterday because I was sick.

2. As mountains possess natural beauty, they enthrall everyone.

3. William Wordsworth believes that nature is a healer.

4. John thinks twice before he speaks something.

How to identify an independent clause?

To identify an independent clause, follow the below-given steps.

Step 1. Look for how many subjects and verbs are present in a given sentence.

Step 2. Separate each clause from the sentence.

Step 3. Now see which of the separated clauses gives a complete thought.

Step 4. Name the clause expressing a complete thought an independent clause.