The Gerund in Dependent Clauses. In Dependent Clauses 32a. We can indicate that two actions occur simultaneously in a number of different ways, using the gerund or present participle in a dependent clause, e.g. Radioactive atoms liberate energy while they are disintegrating .
Radioactive atoms liberate energy while disintegrating .
Disintegrating , radioactive atoms liberate energy . We can also indicate that an action occurs as a consequence of another in the same way. However, in this case the dependent clause must come before the principal one, e.g. Parent elements disintegrate and give rise to daughter elements. Parent elements, disintegrating , give rise to daughter elements. Disintegrating , parent elements give rise to daughter elements .