The fourth step is to identify and place all dependent clauses.

Indenting Dependent Clauses

The relationship between propositions is shown by indenting the dependent clauses slightly from the main proposition. This is to show at a glance which ideas are central and which are qualifying thoughts.

Main (independent) propositions go all the way to the left of the page. Any dependent propositions are indented to the right. Two propositions that are both dependent on the same independent proposition are both indented the same amount, so that they line up above each other. If a proposition is dependent on a dependent proposition, it is indented even further to the right of the already indented proposition.

Remember that an independent proposition makes sense on its own, but a dependent clause does not.

As each proposition is highlighted, determine if it is independent or dependent.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. - John 3:16-18
X Close
Notice that this proposition is indented further to the right.
It is dependent on the previous proposition (He gave),
not on the one before that (God loved).
X Close
Notice that this one is indented the same as the previous proposition.
It is not dependent on the previous one (whoever shall perish),
but on the one before that (He gave).
X Close
Notice that this one is indented the same as the previous proposition
It is not dependent on the previous one (to judge),
but on the one before that (God did send).

Correct
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Subject Verb Direct Object
God loved world
so the

He gave Son
his
only begotten

whoever shall perish [none]
not

[whoever] [shall] have life
eternal

God did send Son
not the
into the world

to judge the world

world might be saved [none]
the through him

He is judged [none]
not

he has been judged [none]
already

he has believed [none]
not
in the Name
of the Son
only begotten
of God