Independent clauses: Definition:

A group of words made up of a subject and a predicate. An independent clause (unlike a dependent clause) can stand alone as a sentence. See also: Examples and Observations:

A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb. There are two major types: independent clauses and dependent clauses. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, beginning with a capital letter and ending with terminal punctuation such as a period or full stop. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence; instead it must be attached to an independent clause." (G. Lutz and D. Stevenson, The Writer's Digest Grammar Desk Reference, 2005)

Here are some examples of main and subordinate clauses.t He main clauses are italized

"When liberty is taken away by force, it can be restored by force. When it is relinquished voluntarily by default, it can never be recovered." (Dorothy Thompson) "The average man does not want to be free. He simply wants to be safe. (H.L. Mencken) "When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen. (Ernest Hemingway) "I was born when you kissed me. I died when you left me. I lived a few weeks while you loved me." (Humphrey Bogart in the movie In a Lonely Place) "Advertising is the rattling of a stick inside a swill bucket." (George Orwell) "Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. (Jack Benny) "Her hat is a creation that will never go out of style; it will just look ridiculous year after year." (Fred Allen) "Comedy has to be based on truth. You take the truth and you put a little curlicue at the end. (Sid Caesar) "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." (Milton Berle) "What's another word for 'thesaurus'?" (Steven Wright) "You have a responsibility to the public discourse, and you fail miserably." (Jon Stewart to Tucker Carlson on CNN's Crossfire, Oct. 2004) "A schedule defends from chaos and whim." (Annie Dillard)

Pronunciation: IN-dee-PEN-dent claws Also Known As: main clause