Grammarkup
Clauses

Independent Clause

An independent (main) clause contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a finished thought. Thus it can stand alone as a sentence

An independent (main) clause contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a finished thought. Thus it can stand alone as a sentence.

Example

Sarah wants to study Spanish.

The independent clause is a simple sentence when dependent clauses within one sentence are absent.

Example

I don't want to go to the pub tonight. (simple sentence)

I have to work tomorrow. (simple sentence)

The independent clause forms a complex sentence together with a dependent clause. In this case, use a conjunction.

Example

I don't want to go to the pub tonight because I have to work tomorrow. (two clauses are connected with the help of a conjunction because)

Two independent clauses can form a sentence. In this case, use a semicolon (;).

Example

My little sister doesn't like reading; she falls asleep within 2 minutes.

Lucy has a business trip in a week; Lucy's mom will help with the kids.

Guided Practice

The independent clause forms a complex sentence together with a dependent clause.

Underline independent clauses.

  • Finish your work today so that you have a day to yourself tomorrow.

  • I doubt that I'll go to the gym today.

  • Even though they lived in different countries, they found a way to be together.

Two independent clauses can form a sentence. In this case, use a semicolon (;).

Decide whether it is possible to rewrite the given sentences in this way.

  • I couldn't understand where they wanted to go.

  • It felt weird being there as I didn't know anyone.

Short Story using Independent Clause

Why can't I have a sleepover? Mom, you promised me that I could invite my friends over this week!

I'm sorry, honey, but let's do it some other time. Our grandma is staying with us; it would be too noisy.

But mom! You promised me!

I'm very sorry, sweetheart. Let's do it next Friday, OK?

Independent Practice

Underline independent clauses.

  1. She walked as if she were on a runway.
  2. I don't like the idea of you buying a motorbike as it is extremely dangerous and you are likely to get injured.
  3. We don't sell coffee here.
  4. When she heard the news, Mia burst into tears.
  5. George will probably decline our invitation; he's been busy at work.
  6. Although it seemed possible, Kate got a full scholarship.
  7. She wouldn't have succeeded if it weren't for her parents.

Rewrite the sentences so that each clause is independent.

  1. Peter wanted to study abroad as he liked the idea of working in an international team.
  2. She couldn't answer the question since she wasn't even listening.
  3. I didn't want to go to the supermarket because it was raining.