Independent Clause: Meaning, Types, Examples, & Exercise

What is an Independent Clause?

First things first, what is an Independent clause? And why is it so important?

It is a group of words that contains a verb and a subject and can stand alone to express a complete thought. To help you better understand this clause, let’s first see what clauses are. When we combine two parts of speech, a clause is created. A clause has two major parts, the independent and the dependent clause.

As per Oxford Languages, the Independent clause definition is “A clause that can form a complete sentence standing alone, having a subject and a predicate.” Additionally, here, out of the two ideas, we put the more important one in the Independent clause first.

For example, “The waves crashed onto the sandy shore.” This sentence is showing a complete thought and does not need any additional words or information to understand it.

Types of Independent Clauses with Examples

Now, let’s understand the types of independent clauses. We can classify Independent clauses by the function they play in a sentence. There are four types, namely, declarative, exclamative, imperative, and interrogative clauses. Each of these clauses expresses a different type of statement.

In addition to this, they can also express either a curse (maledictive) or a blessing (benedictive). For better understanding, let’s check these different types of independent clauses along with some examples:

1. Declarative Clause: A declarative clause is one of the most common types of independent clauses, which typically ends with a period and conveys information directly. Additionally, this clause acts as a statement that expresses a fact, observation, or opinion.

For example:

• The sky is blue
• The sun is shining.

2. Exclamative Clause: We use exclamative clauses to show a strong emotion or feeling like surprise, joy, or excitement, and they typically begin with an adjective or exclamatory word and end in an exclamation mark.

For example:

• This is the best day ever!
• What a beautiful sunset!

3. Imperative Clause: An imperative clause is used to issue a command or make a request and express a complete thought. In this, the subject is usually implied, and the verbs are in their basic or base form.

For example:

• Be careful
• Don't be late

4. Interrogative Clause: In the interrogative clause, we ask a question, and the sentence ends with a question mark.

For example:

• Is she coming to the party?
• Did they finish their homework?

5. Benedictive Clause: In the Independent clause, we use benedictive to express a blessing in a sentence or wish for something good. It is mostly used to convey a positive thought or a wish.

For example:

• May the sun shine upon your face.
• May your journey be smooth and safe.

6. Maledictive Clause: Contrary to the benedictive clause, we use the maledictive clause to express a curse in a sentence or generally wish for something negative to happen.

For example:

• May misfortune follow you wherever you go.
• May bad luck always be at your side.

How to Connect Independent Clauses?

To create more interesting or complex sentences, you can connect independent clauses to other independent clauses in three ways. You can either add a coordinating conjunction or use colons, semicolons, and Independent Marker Words, or connect them with a noun that links the two ideas.

Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

One of the main types and commonly used conjunctions is the coordinating conjunctions, which you can use to connect independent clauses. Coordinating conjunctions are words that we use to connect other words, phrases, or even clauses to have equal grammatical rank. You may know these conjunctions as FANBOYS, which stand for:

• For
• And
• Nor
• But
• Or
• Yet
• So

To use coordinating conjunctions to connect an independent clause, you have to use a comma after the first clause. This will help in creating compound sentences that have equal clauses. Here are some examples of independent clauses that use coordinating conjunctions:

• He is talented, but he doesn’t have all the answers.
• She is clever, yet she can be mistaken sometimes.

Punctuation Rules (Colons, Semicolons)

Additionally, you can also connect independent clauses by using punctuation like colons and semicolons. However, there are some rules of independent clauses that you need to use while using a colon or semicolon to connect them.

1. Semicolons:

We use semicolons to join two independent clauses that are closely related to each other and have a similar meaning. They are more specifically used to replace a comma or a period when the clauses are tightly linked.

A general rule of using semicolons to connect clauses is that the clauses need to share a similar topic or theme. Additionally, the second clause needs to be built upon the first one.

For example:

• I like swimming; however, I prefer running.
• I enjoy reading; however, I love writing more.

2. Colons:

We use colons in connecting independent clauses to introduce a list, a clarification, an example, or an explanation. This is mainly in cases when the second clause provides more detail or elaborates on the first one -- sometimes introduced by an adverb for emphasis or transition.

Another one of the common rules of independent clauses that you must follow while using colons is to use it before the clause that provides more information or detail.

For example:

• I enjoy winter; the crisp air and falling snow make me feel alive.
• I adore the mountains; the view from the top takes my breath away.

Using Independent Marker Words

Lastly, you can also connect independent clauses with the help of marker words as well. However, do keep in mind that when you use marker words to connect clauses, you have to use a semicolon to separate them from the preceding independent clause.

Below are some of the common marker words along with examples of independent clauses for you to better understand:

• Also
• Consequently
• Furthermore
• However
• Moreover
• Nevertheless
• Therefore

How are Dependent Clauses Different from Independent Clauses?

As we mentioned above in the beginning, a clause is created when we combine two parts of speech. A clause has two major parts: an independent and a dependent clause. But what is the difference?

The major difference between dependent and independent clauses is that dependent clauses cannot stand alone and generally rely on independent clauses and other additional information to complete their meaning.

Additionally, dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions like "because," "although," "when," "while," "if," etc., or with relative pronouns like "who," "that," or "which".

For example: Although she studied hard

This sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction and doesn’t make sense on its own.

Independent Clause Exercise with Answers

Now that you have a basic understanding of what an independent clause is, let’s see how well you can identify them with the help of our independent clause worksheet. Below are 10 sentences where you have to underline the independent clause.

Keep in mind that there are some sentences that contain a dependent clause as well. Focus on identifying the part that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

1. Although it was late, we continued working on the project.
2. Because she missed the bus, she was late for school.
3. If it rains tomorrow, the picnic will be cancelled.
4. I finished my homework before dinner.
5. He went to the store, but they were already closed.
6. Since I moved here, I’ve made new friends.
7. The teacher smiled when she saw the drawing.
8. While I was walking home, I found a lost kitten.
9. The cat slept peacefully under the warm sun.
10. Even though he was tired, he stayed up to finish the book.

Answers:

• Although it was late, we continued working on the project.
• Because she missed the bus, she was late for school.
• If it rains tomorrow, the picnic will be cancelled.
• I finished my homework before dinner.
• He went to the store, but they were already closed.
• Since I moved here, I’ve made new friends.
• The teacher smiled when she saw the drawing.
• While I was walking home, I found a lost kitten.
• The cat slept peacefully under the warm sun.
• Even though he was tired, he stayed up to finish the book.

Conclusion

Finally, yes, an independent clause can be a little complex to understand for new English learners. But once you know about the independent clause definition, types, and rules, you will be able to better understand it and use it in your day-to-day conversation and even improve your English language proficiency.

Additionally, if you are struggling with understanding the basics of English, then you can connect with our experts at gradding.com. They will provide you with personalised guidance, tailored learning plans, a detailed independent clause worksheet and constructive feedback to accelerate your English learning process.

FAQs

1. What is an Independent Clause and an Example?

An Independent clause is a group of words that makes a complete thought and can stand alone in a sentence. An example of an independent clause is “She runs every morning”. Here, the sentence is expressing a complete thought or sense on its own and does not require any additional information to be complete.

2. What is an Independent Vs Dependent Clause?

A major difference between an independent and a dependent clause is that while an independent clause expresses a complete thought, the dependent clause cannot stand alone and relies on the main clause.

3. What Are 2 Independent Clauses in a Sentence?

If there are two independent clauses in one sentence, we can join them by a conjunction or a semicolon. An example of this is that I finished my homework, and I watched a movie.

4. Is the Main Clause an Independent Clause?

Yes, a main clause is the same as an independent clause, as it contains a subject and a verb, expresses a complete thought, and can stand alone as a sentence. For example, the dog barked loudly. This sentence is both a main and an independent clause.