EMBEDDED CLAUSE

Definition
• Embedded clause is not at the same rank as independent or
dependent clause.
• It is an intrinsic part of another clause because it is either part of a
group constituent of a clause or functioning as a group itself.
• It is doing service within a group.
• It is rank shifted because it is shifted down a rank.
 Types of
Embedded
Clause

Nominal group Adverbial group As a Thing

Embedded clause as nominal group
The underlying bolds are embedded clauses.
• The course that we are studying is Functional Grammar. = The course
we are studying is Functional Grammar.
• The old man who sat on the bench was a famous actor = The old man
sitting on the bench was a famous actor.
• I like fruit salad tossed with honey lime dressing. = I like fruit salad that
is tossed with honey lime dressing.
• You must read the book about the miracle of enzyme written by Hiromi
Shinya. = You must read the book about the miracle of enzyme that
was written by Hiromi Shinya.
Embedded clause as adverbial group
• We analysed the text carefully that it took some time.
• He ran so quickly that they could not catch him.
• I always remember you everywere I go. = I always remember you
everywere that I go.
• His emotion changes hourly that makes his psychiatrist difficult to
analyze his disease. = His emotion changes hourly making his
psychiatrist difficult to analyze his disease.
• We met Meredith last year when we visited the Alps.
Embedded clause as a thing
• There are two types of embedded clause as a thing:
1. as a participant
2. as a nominal group constitutent in a prepositional phrase
• a, b, and c are the examples of embedded clauses as participant, whereas d
and e are the examples of embedded clauses as a nominal group constitutent
in a prepositional phrase.
a. We study how structures are related with meanings.
b. What you see is what you get.
c. Seeing is believing.
d. The level of our dams are considerably below where we would like them to
be.
e. Taj Mahal was built in 1631 when Mumtaz Mahal died.