Definition of Main clause

1. Noun. A clause in a complex sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Exact synonyms: Independent Clause
Group relationships: Complex Sentence
Generic synonyms: Clause

Definition of Main clause

1. Noun. (grammar) A clause that can stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence; contains at least a subject and a verb. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Main Clause

maimonides' prayer
maims
main
main(a)
main-clause
main-gauche
main-sequence
main-topmast
main-topsail
main-truck
main-verb
main battle tank
main building
main buildings
main chance
main clause
main clauses
main course
main deck
main diagonal
main diagonals
main drag
main drags
main droite
main en crochet
main en griffe
main en lorgnette
main entry word
main file

Literary usage of Main clause

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Century Handbook of Writing by Garland Greever, Easley Stephen Jones (1922)
"When not closely connected with the main clause in meaning: Right: Although they were few, they were resolute. (Her* the comma reveals the distinctness of ..."

2. Yale Studies in English edited by Albert Stanburrough Cook, Yale university New Haven (1907)
"indic, with Sa in the main clause; 18. 2: indeter with Sa in the main clause; ... 9; 27.19: without Sa in the main clause; 24. 3: indeter. without Sa in the ..."

3. A Greek Grammar for Schools and Colleges by Herbert Weir Smyth (1916)
"The main clause lias thé future indicative'or any form of the verb referring ... In temporal sentences of indefinite frequency, if the main clause has the ..."

4. Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association by American philological association (1897)
"In accordance with their nature, prior temporal clauses normally precede the main clause, posterior follows. In the arrangement of the period, ..."

5. Classical Philology by University of Chicago press, JSTOR (Organization) (1909)
"In a sentence like "Cum Caesar in Galliam venit, principes erant Aedui," the verb of the main clause temporally includes that of the subordinate clause, ..."

6. The Syntax of the Temporal Clause in Old English Prose by Arthur Adams (1907)
"indie. with Sa in the main clause ; 18. 2: indeter with Sa in the main clause; 22. 11. Jos. ... 18; without Sa in the main clause; 2. 5; 4. 7; 5. 13. Jud. ..."

7. The Classical World by Classical Association of the Atlantic States (1916)
"... primary tenses are used in dependence upon primary tenses in the main clause, and secondary in dependence upon secondary; the present and imperfect ..."

8. Transactions of the Philological Society by Philological Society (Great Britain). (1901)
"The action of the subordinate clause may be prior to the action of the main clause. In such sentences both the preterite and the perfect are found. ..."

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