In traditional grammar, an independent clause (or main clause) is a clause that can stand by itself as a simple sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and makes sense by itself.
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.).
In the following example sentences, independent clauses are underlined, and conjunctions are in bold.
Single independent clauses:
Multiple independent clauses: