In traditional grammar, an independent clause (also known as a main or matrix 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 sentencess, 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

• Comma splice

• Conditional sentence

• Dependent clause

• Relative clause

• Run-on sentence

• Sentence clause structure

References

External links

• Clauses: Independent , The Tongue Untied

• Clauses, Online Writing Lab

• Independent & Dependent Clauses, My Schoolhouse