main clause
a clause that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a predicate with a finite verb, as I was there in the sentence I was there when he arrived.
- Also called in·de·pend·ent clause .
- Compare subordinate clause.
Words Nearby main clause
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use main clause in a sentence
On this roll, the subordinate clauses are attributes of one of the elements of the main clause (relative clauses).
Montessori Elementary Materials | Maria MontessoriDo not attach to a main clause by means of and, a word, phrase, or clause which you intend shall be subordinate.
The Century Handbook of Writing | Garland GreeverRescue this main idea, express it in the main clause, and if possible subordinate the rest of the sentence to it.
The Century Handbook of Writing | Garland GreeverAn adverbial clause which precedes a main clause is usually set off by a comma.
The Century Handbook of Writing | Garland GreeverThey have, therefore, a logical dependence on the main clause.
Montessori Elementary Materials | Maria Montessori
British Dictionary definitions for main clause
grammar a clause that can stand alone as a sentence: Compare subordinate clause
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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