Independent Clauses “IC”


1) All independent clauses include a subject and a verb

a. An IC is the main idea of the sentence. It does not depend on another clause for
meaning or context.

i. An IC can stand alone, (but sometimes a DC can too)

b. Examples of IC

i. Simple independent/main clause sentences (mark these for student benefit)

1. The forest beckons. (S V)
2. Shadowed and still, the forest beckons. (IPP, S V)
3. The forest, shadowed and still, beckons. (S, NEPP, V)


ii. Complex independent/main clause sentence (includes DO, prep phrases, etc.)
1. The inmate has reached an agreement to plead guilty to all charges.
2. Mike’s music mix has already earned him great reviews.



2) An IC can include IIAS, ie. more than one verb or subject

a. Paper, printing, and binding may become things of the past. (sub IIAS)

b. Users check their email, adjust their grades, retrieve reports, and keep track of
students. (verbs IIAS)



3) Two IC can be connected with a COCO (coordinating conjunction)

a. The forest beckons, and its silence charms the soul. (and = coco) (SV) O (SV)

i. Note use of comma rule # 6 (bcc) before the “and”

b. I love to eat ice cream, yet I never gain weight. (yet = coco)



4) A coco does not automatically signal an IC

a. For example: ‘and’

i. The dog and the cat sat on the mat. (“and” here just combines two subjects, it does
not introduce another IC)


ii. We have had forecasts this bad in the past and launched successfully.
(“and” joins double verbs

5) Subordinating Conjunctions (SC) link an IC to a DC (depend/sub clause)

a. The forest beckons as shadowy light filters down. (S V) O S V

b. When I go to the forest, I hear its still, peaceful voice. O SV , (SV, ) (pg 61) note use
of comma rule #7: IAC, and #1 AAN.

c. I go to the forest, and when I arrive at my favorite spot, I listen as it beckons me.
(SV), O O SV, (SV), O SV. (page 61)

d. I watched the dog while he chased the cat.


6) Anytime you add an SC to an IC it turns into a DC. IC + SC = DC

a. I watched TV. I ate breakfast. (IC.IC.)
i. I watched TV as I ate breakfast. (IC+DC)
ii. A clause beginning with an SC will ALWAYS sound incomplete because it refers
back or forward to the main clause.

7) A DC can be either restrictive or non-restrictive (essential or non-essential)


a. A restrictive/essential clause more clearly defines the subject (it “restricts” the
vagueness of the subject)

i. Because the clause restricts the meaning of the sentence, no commas are used.
1. The car that I want is out of my price range.

b. A non-restrictive or non-essential clause can be removed without changing the
meaning of the sentence.

i. Because the clause is not necessary, it is set off by commas for and aft.
1. Steven’s book, which made Oprah’s Book Club, is not in any stores.

8) Relative Pronouns: relate to another proceeding noun in the sentence and thereby connect
the DC to the IC. Therefore the RP act as the subject or object of the DC.

a. Examples:

i. The chief who studied in Paris won the competition.
1. this is a restrictive DC clause hence no commas
2. “who” is the subject of the DC


ii. The shirt that Carl bought has a stain on the pocket.
1. this is a restrictive DC clause hence no commas
2. “that” is the object of “bought”
3. the DC is “that Carl bought”

b. How to choose the correct RP:

i. Who if RP is subject, Whom if RP is object