What is another name for a simple sentence?

A simple sentence is defined as a complete thought that consists of a subject and a predicate and expresses a single idea. It can also be referred to as an independent clause because it can stand alone as a complete sentence without needing additional information. This terminology emphasizes that independent clauses possess the ability to convey a full idea by themselves.

In contrast, a dependent clause cannot stand alone and relies on an independent clause to provide context and clarity. A compound sentence, which consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction, is different from a simple sentence since it includes more than one complete thought. A complex sentence contains at least one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses, further differentiating it from a simple sentence. Thus, referring to a simple sentence as an independent clause accurately captures its essence and grammatical function.