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.
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Finish your work today so that you have a day to yourself tomorrow.
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I doubt that I'll go to the gym today.
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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.
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I couldn't understand where they wanted to go.
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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.
- She walked as if she were on a runway.
- I don't like the idea of you buying a motorbike as it is extremely dangerous and you are likely to get injured.
- We don't sell coffee here.
- When she heard the news, Mia burst into tears.
- George will probably decline our invitation; he's been busy at work.
- Although it seemed possible, Kate got a full scholarship.
- She wouldn't have succeeded if it weren't for her parents.
Rewrite the sentences so that each clause is independent.
- Peter wanted to study abroad as he liked the idea of working in an international team.
- She couldn't answer the question since she wasn't even listening.
- I didn't want to go to the supermarket because it was raining.