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A main clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, and it expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence and make sense on its own. Knowing how to use this clause correctly helps you write better, more meaningful sentences. In this article, we will explain what is main clause is, how it functions in different sentence types, and the key rules to remember.
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What is a Main Clause?
A main clause, also known as an independent clause, is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate (verb). This group of words or clause expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence because it does not rely on any other part of the sentence to make sense.
Example: The sun is shining.
In the above example, the sentence has two important parts that every main clause should have:
1. Subject: The Sun
The subject is the person or thing that the sentence is about. In this case, the sentence talks about the sun, so the sun is the subject.
2. Verb: shining
The verb shows the action or state of being. Here, the action is shining. So, shining is the verb.
When the subject and the verb are used together like this, they give a complete meaning and thus form a main clause.
Also Read: What are Clauses: Definition, Types, Examples, & Exercise
How to Use a Main Clause in a Sentence?
Using a main clause in a sentence involves understanding its structure and how it functions. A main clause must have two key elements: a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a predicate (what the subject is doing or what is being said about the subject). Most importantly, a main clause must express a complete thought, which means it can stand alone as a grammatically correct sentence.
You can use a main clause in different ways:
1. As a complete sentence: A simple sentence can be the same as a main clause. It has just one subject and one verb and expresses a complete idea.
Example: She is reading.
Here the subject is ‘She’ and the predicate (verb) is ‘reading’
2. With another main clause to form a compound sentence: You can connect two or more main clauses using coordinating conjunctions like and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor to form a compound sentence. You can also use conjunctive adverbs like however, therefore, in addition, and meanwhile to link two main clauses in a compound sentence. Each part of a compound sentence can stand on its own as a complete sentence.
Example: She enjoys painting, but he prefers sculpting.
In this sentence, ‘she’ is the subject, ‘sculpting’ is the predicate (verb) connected with the coordinating conjunction ‘but’.
3. With one or more subordinate clauses to form a complex sentence: In this case, a main clause and one subordinate clause come together to form a complex sentence. Both clauses are joined by subordinating conjunctions such as because, after, when, since, and although. In a complex sentence, the main clause gives the central idea, while the subordinate clause adds extra information. The main clause can come either before or after the subordinate clause, depending on how the sentence is structured.
Example: She went to the market because she needed vegetables.
In this sentence, “She went to the market” is the main clause, and “because she needed vegetables” is a subordinate clause.
Difference Between a Main Clause and a Subordinate Clause
While understanding main clauses is important, it is also important to distinguish them from subordinate clauses. Here is a comparison to help you understand the difference between main clause and subordinate clause:
| Aspect | Main Clause | Subordinate Clause |
| Definition | Main Clause has a subject and a verb, and expresses a complete idea | Subordinate Clause has a subject and a verb, but does not express a complete idea |
| Completeness | Can stand alone as a complete sentence | Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence |
| Use in Sentence Types | Used in simple, compound, and complex sentences | Used only in complex or compound-complex sentences |
| Role in Sentence | In a sentence, the main clause gives the main idea of the sentence | In a sentence subordinate clause adds extra information like reason, time, condition, or contrast |
| Examples in Sentences | I went to school is a complete idea on its own | Because I had a test adds a reason but needs a main clause to make sense |
| Connection with Other Clauses | The main clause can be joined with another main clause or with a subordinate clause | Subordinate clauses must be connected to a main clause using subordinating conjunctions |
| Position in Complex Sentences | It can come before or after the subordinate clause in a complex sentence | It can come before or after the main clause, depending on the sentence structure |
| Common Connectors | Joined to another main clause using coordinating conjunctions like and, or, but | Joined to main clauses using subordinating conjunctions like because, although, when |
Explore: Types of Clauses: Definition, Uses, Examples & More
Main Clause Exercise with Answers
Instructions: Each sentence below may contain a main clause and a subordinate clause. Underline or identify the main clause in each sentence.
1. After the bell rang, the students left the classroom.
2. She smiled because she got a good grade.
3. Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
4. I stayed up late to finish my homework.
5. When the game ended, the crowd cheered loudly.
6. He didn’t come to school because he was sick.
7. We made sandwiches before the guests arrived.
8. As the sun rose, the birds began to sing.
9. They played in the garden until it got dark.
10. If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Answers:
1. the students left the classroom.
2. She smiled
3. we went for a walk.
4. I stayed up late to finish my homework.
5. the crowd cheered loudly
6. He didn’t come to school
7. We made sandwiches
8. the birds began to sing
9. They played in the garden
10. you will pass the exam
Understanding main clauses is important for building clear and complete sentences. A main clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone, making it the foundation of both simple and complex sentences. By learning to identify main clauses, students can improve their grammar, writing, and communication skills. Whether used alone or with subordinate clauses, main clauses help us express ideas clearly and effectively in daily use.
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FAQs
A main clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. It conveys a complete thought and doesn’t depend on other parts of the sentence for meaning.
Yes, a sentence can have more than one main clause. This is often the case in compound sentences, where two or more main clauses are joined by coordinating conjunctions like and, but, or, so.
A main clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a subordinate clause cannot. A subordinate clause depends on the main clause to make sense and is usually introduced by a subordinating conjunction like because, although, and if.
Yes, it can be part of a complex sentence, where it is combined with one or more subordinate clauses. It provides the core meaning, while the subordinate clause adds extra information.
Not all sentences have a main clause. Some sentences, such as those with only subordinate clauses, may not make sense on their own. However, most sentences in English, especially simple and compound sentences, include at least one main clause.
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