Which of the following is an example of an independent clause?

Which of the following is an example of an independent clause?

• A. While she enjoys reading
• B. She enjoys reading
• C. Because she likes stories
• D. Although she is tired

Answer: (B)

An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a predicate. In the example "She enjoys reading," the subject is "She" and the predicate is "enjoys reading." This phrase conveys a complete idea and does not rely on any additional information to make sense, fulfilling the criteria for an independent clause. The other options represent dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone as complete sentences. "While she enjoys reading" introduces a condition but does not complete the thought; "Because she likes stories" begins with a dependent conjunction, indicating that further information is needed; and "Although she is tired" similarly sets up a contrast that requires additional context to form a complete sentence.

An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a predicate. In the example "She enjoys reading," the subject is "She" and the predicate is "enjoys reading." This phrase conveys a complete idea and does not rely on any additional information to make sense, fulfilling the criteria for an independent clause.

The other options represent dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone as complete sentences. "While she enjoys reading" introduces a condition but does not complete the thought; "Because she likes stories" begins with a dependent conjunction, indicating that further information is needed; and "Although she is tired" similarly sets up a contrast that requires additional context to form a complete sentence.