what is an independent clause

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. Independent clauses can be joined by using a semicolon or by using a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet, etc.) . Examples of independent clauses include "I have enough money to buy an ice cream cone" and "My favorite flavor is chocolate".