20 Examples of Independent Clauses

Writing is an art form, and structure is a key element of that art. One of the most important—and often overlooked—components of writing is the independent clause. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence or combine with other clauses to make longer, more complex sentences. Whether you are writing for school or pleasure, understanding how to correctly use independent clauses can help you communicate your thoughts and ideas more effectively.

What is an Independent Clause?

An independent clause, also known as a main clause, is a grammatical unit that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. It typically contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete idea, conveying a complete thought on its own. Independent clauses can also be joined together to form compound sentences.

For example, “She went to the store” is an independent clause because it has a subject (“she”) and a verb (“went”) and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

20 Examples of Independent Clauses

1. I enjoy reading books, especially mysteries, and thrillers.
2. Although it’s raining outside, we can still go for a walk.
3. My friend loves to paint, and she often creates beautiful landscapes.
4. She studies hard for her exams because she wants to succeed academically.
5. They went to the concert, but they left early because it was too loud.
6. John decided to take a day off, so he could relax and recharge.
7. She bought a new dress even though she already had many in her closet.
8. The movie was interesting, yet it received mixed reviews from critics.
9. I tried the new recipe, and it turned out delicious.
10. He listened to the radio while he was getting ready for work.
11. We planted a tree in the backyard to provide shade during the summer.
12. She cleaned her room, then she went to the store to buy groceries.
13. I finished my homework early, so I could watch my favorite TV show.
14. The birds were singing as the sun rose in the sky.
15. After a long day at work, he sat down to enjoy a good book.
16. She practiced her speech several times before the presentation.
17. The sky turned dark, and thunder rumbled in the distance.
18. He carefully wrapped the gift for his friend’s birthday party.
19. She decided to start a new hobby, which was knitting.
20. They went for a hike in the mountains to enjoy the beautiful scenery.