An intervening dependent clause, also known as a parenthetical or interrupting clause, is a subordinate clause inserted within a sentence’s main clause. This clause adds extra information or details to the main clause but is not essential for the sentenceโs basic grammatical structure or meaning. Intervening dependent clauses are often set off by punctuation such as commas, parentheses, or dashes.
Hereโs an example:
- Main Clause: The students, who had studied diligently for weeks, aced the exam.
In this sentence, the main clause is โThe students aced the exam.โ The intervening dependent clause is โwho had studied diligently for weeks.โ It provides additional information about the students but can be removed without affecting the basic meaning of the main clause.
Intervening dependent clauses often function as nonrestrictive elements, meaning they can be omitted without changing the essential meaning of the sentence. However, they contribute additional context, description, or detail for a more comprehensive understanding.
