independent clause

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noun

grammar a main or coordinate clauseCompare dependent clause

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Words nearby independent clause

independency, independent, independent assortment, independent audit, independent axiom, independent clause, independent contractor, independentista, independent living, independent school, independent suspension

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

How to use independent clause in a sentence

The Independent, quoted the duo as saying “we have some offers but we cannot say anything at the moment.”
Juiciest ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Rumors (and Some Debunked Ones)|Rich Goldstein|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The issue polls well among Democratic, Republican, and independent voters.
Christie Blames Parents for Bad Economy|Monica Potts|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
For the last nine years, they have battled secular Baluch nationalists who would like to see an independent Baluchistan.
The Dangerous Drug-Funded Secret War Between Iran and Pakistan|Umar Farooq|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I am reminded of the story of Senator Bernie Sanders (Independent, VT) walking along the shores of Lake Champlain.
Santa Fails One More Time|P. J. O’Rourke|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST

This is a job for independent committees, like Bowles-Simpson, not a partisan slugfest.
Red Tape Is Strangling Good Samaritans|Philip K. Howard|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So far Murat had always held subordinate commands; his great ambition was to become the commander-in-chief of an independent army.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison
In a strict sense, of course, no child's drawing is absolutely spontaneous and independent of external stimulus and guidance.
Children's Ways|James Sully
He added that lessening clause, remembering, quite simply, how much more brilliant he was than Nigel.
Bella Donna|Robert Hichens
Many persons impede their execution by not keeping the thumb independent enough of the rest of the hand.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
While the majority pulled in one way there was an active minority that wished the Nana to set up an independent kingdom.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy

Cultural definitions for independent clause

independent clause

A clause that can stand alone as a sentence. The following sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by but: “The farmers complained of the low price of food, but the office workers did not complain.” (Compare dependent clause.)