embedding

embedding (underordning, innføyning): the insertion of a clause into a phrase or another clause, or of a phrase into another phrase. Examples of embedded clauses: What I do is none of your business. (nominal clause embedded as subject of another clause); He was afraid of driving through the big city. (- ing clause embedded in a prepositional phrase); Have you finished the paper you were writing? (relative clause embedded in noun phrase). Examples of embedded phrases: She is fond of cats (prepositional phrase embedded in adjective phrase); He was elected man of the year (prepositional phrase embedded in noun phrase).