An independent clause (or main clause) is a clause that can stand by itself as a simple sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and makes sense by itself. Independent clauses can be joined by using a semicolon or by using a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet, etc.). Examples In the following example sentences, independent clauses are underlined, and conjunctions are in bold. Single independent clauses: I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone. My favourite flavour is chocolate. Let's go to the shop. Multiple independent clauses: I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone; my favourite flavour is chocolate. I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone, so let's go to the shop. See also Comma splice Conditional sentence Dependent clause Relative clause Run-on sentence Sentence clause structure References External links Clauses: Independent, The Tongue Untied Clauses, Online Writing Lab Independent & Dependent Clauses, My Schoolhouse Clauses