independent clause
Noun
Meaning
a clause in a complex sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence
Source: WordNetSynonyms
Antonyms
Hypernyms
Examples
Dependent clauses The syntax of a dependent clause is generally the same as that of an independent clause, except that the dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun (or phrase containing such).
In English, a comma is used to separate a dependent clause from the independent clause if the dependent clause comes first: After I fed the cat, I brushed my clothes.
Imperatives In an imperative sentence (one giving an order), there is usually no subject in the independent clause: Go away until I call you.
In the following sentences, where the second half of the sentence is not an independent clause (because it does not contain an explicit subject ), those guides prescribe that the comma be omitted: * Mary walked to the party but was unable to walk home.
The future subjunctive appears in dependent clauses that denote a condition that must be fulfilled in the future so that the independent clause will occur.