Examples:
* The cat sat on the mat. (This sentence is a complete thought on its own and has a subject "cat" and a verb "sat.")
* My favorite color is blue. (Complete thought, subject "color" and verb "is.")
* She went to the store. (Complete thought, subject "she" and verb "went.")
* The sun rises in the east. (Complete thought, subject "sun" and verb "rises.")
* He will graduate next year. (Complete thought, subject "he" and verb "will graduate.")
Key features of an independent clause:
* Complete thought: It expresses a complete idea that can stand alone.
* Subject and Verb: It contains a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a verb (the action or state of being).
Not Independent Clauses:
* Because it was raining. (This is a dependent clause because it doesn't make sense on its own and needs an independent clause to complete the thought.)
* When I get home. (Again, this needs more information to be a complete sentence.)
* Running down the street. (This phrase lacks a subject and verb, making it not a complete thought.)
Let me know if you have any other questions!