Which term describes a standalone clause that can function as a complete sentence:

Which term describes a standalone clause that can function as a complete sentence:

• A. Independent clause
• B. Dependent clause
• C. Relative clause
• D. Phrase

Answer: (A)

A standalone clause that can function as a complete sentence is an independent clause. It has a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought, so it can stand on its own as a sentence. For example, “The cat slept.” shows who did the action and what happened, making it complete. A dependent clause, in contrast, cannot stand alone because it doesn’t express a complete idea on its own, and it needs an independent clause to complete its meaning, as in “Because the door was left open …” which leaves you waiting for more information. A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that adds information about a noun (like “the book that I borrowed”), but it still can’t stand alone. A phrase lacks a subject or a finite verb and never forms a complete sentence, such as “running through the park” or “after the meeting.” So the term that best fits a clause that can function as a complete sentence on its own is independent clause.

A standalone clause that can function as a complete sentence is an independent clause. It has a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought, so it can stand on its own as a sentence. For example, “The cat slept.” shows who did the action and what happened, making it complete.

A dependent clause, in contrast, cannot stand alone because it doesn’t express a complete idea on its own, and it needs an independent clause to complete its meaning, as in “Because the door was left open …” which leaves you waiting for more information. A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that adds information about a noun (like “the book that I borrowed”), but it still can’t stand alone. A phrase lacks a subject or a finite verb and never forms a complete sentence, such as “running through the park” or “after the meeting.”

So the term that best fits a clause that can function as a complete sentence on its own is independent clause.