What defines an independent clause?

An independent clause is defined as a complete thought that includes both a subject and a verb, which enables it to stand alone as a sentence. This definition is essential in understanding sentence structure within the context of grammar. An independent clause conveys a complete idea and does not require any additional information or elements to make sense. For example, in the sentence "The dog barks," "The dog" is the subject, and "barks" is the verb, together forming a complete thought.

Other options describe characteristics that do not pertain specifically to what defines an independent clause. For instance, an independent clause can have multiple subjects, it should stand alone as a sentence, and it does not necessarily need a conjunction. Recognizing these aspects helps in identifying independent clauses while constructing effective sentences.