She runs fast.

Definition

The phrase 'she runs fast.' is an independent clause that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. It consists of a subject 'she', a verb 'runs', and an adverb 'fast' that modifies the verb, indicating the manner in which she runs. Independent clauses like this one are essential components of sentence structure, as they convey clear information without requiring additional clauses for context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'She runs fast.' is an example of a simple sentence, as it contains only one independent clause.
2. In 'she runs fast.', 'she' is the subject who performs the action of running.
3. The verb 'runs' is a finite verb because it shows tense and agrees with the subject in number.
4. The adverb 'fast' modifies the verb 'runs', providing more detail about how she runs.
5. Independent clauses can be combined with other independent or dependent clauses to create more complex sentences.

Review Questions

• What role does the subject play in the independent clause 'she runs fast.'?
  • 'She' serves as the subject of the independent clause, identifying who is performing the action. In this case, it clearly indicates the person who is running. The subject is crucial because it provides context for the verb 'runs', allowing us to understand who is executing the action of running.
• How does the addition of an adverb like 'fast' change the meaning of an independent clause?
  • The adverb 'fast' modifies the verb 'runs', giving more detail about the manner in which she runs. This addition provides clarity and depth to the action, transforming a basic statement into one that conveys speed. By incorporating adverbs, independent clauses can express more nuanced information and paint a clearer picture for the reader.
• Evaluate how understanding independent clauses like 'she runs fast.' enhances your comprehension of complex sentence structures.
  • Understanding independent clauses such as 'she runs fast.' is foundational for grasping complex sentence structures. When you know how independent clauses function, you can better analyze how they connect with dependent clauses or other independent clauses to create variety in writing. This comprehension enables you to construct sentences that are more engaging and informative, facilitating clearer communication of ideas and enhancing overall writing skills.

Related terms

Dependent Clause: A clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and depends on an independent clause for its meaning.

Subject: The part of a sentence or clause that indicates who or what the sentence is about.

Predicate: The part of a sentence or clause that tells what the subject does or is, typically containing the verb and any objects or modifiers.