(In)dependent clauses

Independent clause Dependent clause

A clause that has a subject and a verb and
can stand alone; a complete sentence
The independent clause includes a subject and a verb.
The independent clause is the main idea of the sentence. It
is not dependent on another clause for meaning and
context.
A clause that has a subject and a verb but
cannot stand alone; an incomplete
sentence
Be careful with the description that the independent
clause can "stand by itself" or "makes sense by itself." Many
dependent clauses, when removed from the context of
the sentence, make sense on their own. Nonetheless, they
are dependent on the rest of the sentence for meaning
and should not be evaluated outside of the sentence.

Examples
Road construction in São Paulo has hindered travel
around town: many streets are closed during the
construction.
Road construction in São Paulo has hindered travel around
town.
Many streets are closed during the construction.
Linda has been studying law at USP.
Examples
When they will start constructing, the travel around
town will be hindered
When they will start constructing....
The travel around town will be hindered.
Linda fell in love with John when she was studying
at USP

Compound sentences
In the English language, a compound sentence is
composed of at least two independent clauses.
It does not require a dependent clause
I am a bus driver, and my wife is a lawyer.
Compound sentence made up of two independent clauses: I
am a bus driver and my wife is a lawyer)
I want to be a teacher but I need to receive a
reasonable salary.
Compound sentence made up of two independent clauses: I
want to be a teacher. I need to receive a reasonable salary