independent i believe because a dependent clause is A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It does not express a complete thought so it is not a sentence and can't stand alone. These clauses include adverb clauses, adjective clauses and noun clauses. a independent clause is An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has both a subject and a verb and forms a complete thought. Independent clauses make clear communication possible, whether we're writing or speaking.