main clause

The main clause of a sentence is the independent clause—complete with subject, conjugated verb, and a third part. The third part is dictated by the verb. If the verb is transitive, the third part will be a noun acting as the direct object, as in John hit the ball. If the verb is intransitive, the third part is typically a phrase or adverb, as in She ran to the store. If the verb is the verb to be or a linking verb, the third part will be a noun (subject complement or predicate nominative), an adjective (predicate adjective), or perhaps a phrase.

Dependent clauses may attach to the main clause to form a complex sentence.