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Like a coconut tree, an independent clause stands by itself. Like the hammock, the dependent clause is tied to the coconut tree and cannot stand by itself.
A clause is part of a sentence. A clause contains both a subject and a verb (predicate). In simple sentences, there is only one clause. Therefore, in simple sentences, the clause and the sentence are one and the same.
Example: The rain is falling.
The word group, “the rain is falling” is a sentence in the sense that it is a group of words that expresses a complete thought.
- The word group “the rain is falling” is also a clause in the sense that it contains both a subject and a predicate (verb). A clause which carries a complete meaning is called an independent clause.
We can say then that a simple sentence is made up of one independent clause.
