Question

what are the characteristics of an independent clause? select three options. it contains a subject and a verb. it expresses a complete thought. it begins with a relative pronoun. it can stand alone as a complete sentence. it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Explanation:

1. An independent clause must have a subject and a verb to form a basic sentence structure. So "It contains a subject and a verb" is correct.
2. By definition, an independent clause expresses a complete thought, unlike a dependent clause. So "It expresses a complete thought" is correct.
3. Independent clauses can function as complete sentences on their own. So "It can stand alone as a complete sentence" is correct.
4. A clause beginning with a relative pronoun (like who, which, that) is a dependent (relative) clause, not independent. So "It begins with a relative pronoun" is incorrect.
5. Independent clauses can stand alone, so "It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence" is incorrect (this describes a dependent clause).

Answer:

A. It contains a subject and a verb
B. It expresses a complete thought
D. It can stand alone as a complete sentence