The fourth step is to identify and place all dependent clauses.
Dependent Clauses
Next, decide whether each clause is an independent proposition or a dependent clause. All clauses are built around a verbal idea, but an independent proposition makes sense on its own, because it is a complete thought. A dependent clause does not make complete sense on its own because it is an incomplete thought. Subordinating conjunctions (see here for explanation) make any clause into a dependent clause.
First, recognize that a clause is a dependent clause. Then determine which type of dependent clause it is.
In the following pages, we will look at the following four types of dependent clauses and how they are displayed in a sentence flow:
A clause that is built around a participle.
A clause that is built around an infinitive.
A clause that is connected to another proposition with a relative pronoun.
A subordinate clause functioning to modify the action of a main proposition.
Then display each clause in the appropriate place.
The subject, verbal, and any objects and modifiers in the clause are displayed in the same type of relationship with each other as you have learned for the main sentence skeleton. However, this whole clause (condensed together) is then displayed in the appropriate place for the function that the clause performs in the main sentence. For example: If the clause functions as an adjective, it is displayed under the noun it modifies.
Each of these clauses and their possible functions will be discussed further on subsequent pages.
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