principal clause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “principal clause” mean?
A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence, containing a subject and a predicate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence, containing a subject and a predicate.
In traditional grammar, a main clause; a clause that is not subordinate to any other clause and can form a sentence independently.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both 'principal clause' and 'independent/main clause' are understood in both varieties. 'Principal clause' is slightly more common in traditional BrE grammatical terminology, while AmE overwhelmingly prefers 'independent clause' or 'main clause'.
Connotations
In modern usage, 'principal clause' can sound formal, pedagogical, or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language; restricted to grammar instruction. 'Independent clause' and 'main clause' are far more common.
Grammar
How to Use “principal clause” in a Sentence
[Principal Clause] + [Subordinate Clause][Subordinate Clause] + [,] + [Principal Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “principal clause” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The principal clause analysis was central to the lesson.
- She highlighted the principal clause function.
American English
- The principal clause rule is fundamental.
- Identify the principal clause element.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used outside of instructional documents on clear writing (e.g., 'Use principal clauses for your key points').
Academic
Used in linguistics and traditional grammar textbooks to describe sentence structure.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A term of art in traditional grammatical analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “principal clause”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “principal clause”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “principal clause”
- Confusing 'principal' with 'principle'. 'Principal clause' is correct here.
- Using 'principal clause' in casual writing where 'main clause' is more appropriate.
- Thinking a compound sentence has only one principal clause (it has two or more).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in traditional grammar, they are synonyms. In modern usage, 'main clause' or 'independent clause' is preferred.
Yes. A compound sentence consists of two or more principal clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or).
A principal clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A subordinate clause cannot stand alone; it depends on the principal clause to complete its meaning (e.g., 'because it was late').
The term comes from traditional, prescriptive grammar. Modern descriptive linguistics and language teaching favour the more transparent terms 'independent clause' or 'main clause'.
A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence, containing a subject and a predicate.
Principal clause is usually formal, academic in register.
Principal clause: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɪnsəp(ə)l klɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɪnsəpəl klɔːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'principal' of a school – the main authority. A 'principal clause' is the main authority in a sentence; it doesn't depend on anyone else.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION/LEADER (The principal clause is the foundational or leading part of the sentence complex.)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a synonym for 'principal clause' in modern linguistics?