The red car that hit the lamp post is no longer running.
main clause A dependent clause main clause B
Sometimes one or more dependent clauses are sandwiched between parts of the main clause.
From A New English Grammar for Schools, by Thomas Harvey:
Finding Dependent Clauses
1. A dependent clause may be found inside a main clause in a complex principal proposition.
Josh, who trained for months, ran the race well.
How many assertions does this sentence contain?
Two assertions: “Josh ran the race well,” which is a main clause
and “who trained for months,” which is a dependent clause.
Is either of these assertions an element within another?
Yes: “[W]ho trained for months” is an inside element
of “Josh ran the race well.”
The man that does no good does harm.
How many assertions does this sentence contain?Is either of these assertions an element within another?
Two assertions: “The man does harm,” which is a main clause
and “that does no good” which is a dependent clause.
Yes: “that does no good” is an inside element of “The man does harm.”
2. A dependent clause may be found outside a main clause in a complex principal proposition.
I will go when the spring comes.
How many assertions does this sentence contain?
Two assertions: “I will go,” which is a main clause
and “when the spring comes,” which is a dependent clause.
Is either of these assertions an element of another?
Yes: “when the spring comes” is supported by “I will go.”
After the whistle blew we ran to the station.
How many assertions does this sentence contain?
Two assertions: “we ran to the station,” which is a main clause
and “after the whistle blew,” which is a dependent clause.
Is either of these assertions an element of another?
Yes: “after the whistle blew” is supported by “we ran to the station.”
Exercise:
Tell which of the following sentences contain complex principal propositions. For each complex principal proposition, identify its main clause and its dependent clause element.
Example — I hear that you have sold your farm.
This sentence consists of a complex principal proposition, consisting of the main clause “I hear” and the dependent clause “that you have sold your farm.”
1. We know that you were there.
2. The reason, which I hurriedly conveyed, was urgent.
3. The reason that they gave was insufficient.
4. I accepted the excuse which you gave.
5. We were aware of it.
6. I know when the train will start.
7. I fear that it may be late.
8. It was not then believed that the earth is round.
Now select all the dependent clauses and tell how they are being used.
