Independent Clauses In English

(In)dependent clauses Independent clause

Dependent clause

A clause that has a subject and a verb and

A clause that has a subject and a verb but

can stand alone; a complete sentence

cannot stand alone; an incomplete sentence

The independent clause includes a subject and a verb. The independent clause is the main idea of the sentence. It is not dependent on another clause for meaning and context.

Be careful with the description that the independent clause can "stand by itself" or "makes sense by itself." Many dependent clauses, when removed from the context of the sentence, make sense on their own. Nonetheless, they are dependent on the rest of the sentence for meaning and should not be evaluated outside of the sentence.

Examples

Examples

Road construction in São Paulo has hindered travel around town: many streets are closed during the construction.

When they will start constructing, the travel around town will be hindered

Road construction in São Paulo has hindered travel around town. Many streets are closed during the construction.

When they will start constructing.... The travel around town will be hindered.

Linda has been studying law at USP.

Linda fell in love with John when she was studying at USP

Compound sentences In the English language, a compound sentence is composed of at least two independent clauses. It does not require a dependent clause I am a bus driver, and my wife is a lawyer. Compound sentence made up of two independent clauses: I am a bus driver and my wife is a lawyer)

I want to be a teacher but I need to receive a reasonable salary. Compound sentence made up of two independent clauses: I want to be a teacher. I need to receive a reasonable salary