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GCSE English Language · key term
A group of words containing a verb that can stand on its own as a complete sentence.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Paper 1, Paper 2
A clause that can stand on its own as a complete sentence. Also called an independent clause.
Revise: Sentence demarcationA main clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence. In ‘The lantern flickered’, ‘the lantern’ is the subject—the thing being described—and ‘flickered’ is the verb. The clause makes a complete statement.
Paper 1, Paper 2
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A clause that expresses a complete thought and can stand independently as a sentence.
A group of words containing a subject and a verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A group of words containing a subject and a verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Revise: Punctuation for clarity and effectCommas separate items in a list: ‘We packed sandwiches, water and a torch.’ They can also separate an introductory subordinate clause from the main clause: ‘Although the rain had stopped, the path was slippery.’ The opening clause sets up a contrast; the comma makes the boundary clear.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Revise: Crafting vocabulary and sentencesA main clause can stand alone; a subordinate clause depends on another clause.
A clause that can stand independently as a complete sentence, such as ‘The door opened’. Also called an independent clause.
