Reducing Adverb Clauses

19 Pages·2014·0.5 MB·English

Reducing Adverb
Clauses:
Making Adverb Phrases –
Chapter 18, p. 387-396
Do these sentences have
correct grammar?
• Having attended class regularly, the student was
able to understand the difficult readings in the
class packet.
• When studying in another country, students must
adapt to the academic expectations there.
• Good teachers always have students show them
their steps along the way when assigning large
projects or papers.
These are adverb phrases,
and they are correct!
• Having attended class regularly, the student was
able to understand the difficult readings in the
class packet.
• While studying in another country, students must
adapt to the academic expectations there.
• Good teachers always have students show them
their steps along the way when assigning large
projects or papers.
Reducing Adverb Clauses:

Adverb clauses can be reduced only when the subject of
both clauses is the same. That’s rule #1!
Ex. While Ann was doing her homework, she listened to
music.
While doing her homework, Ann listened to music.
NOT: While Ann was doing her homework, the fire
alarm went off.  While doing her homework, the fire
alarm went off.
Here are some more rules:
2. If there is a be form of a verb, omit the
subject of the dependent clause and the
be form of the verb:
Ex. 1 - While he was studying for the test, he fell asleep.
While studying for the test, he fell asleep.
Ex. 2 – When he is taking a full-load of classes, he makes
sure to exercise often and get a lot of sleep.
When taking a full-load of classes, he makes sure to
exercise often and get a lot of sleep.
3. If there is no be form of the verb, omit
the subject and change the verb to –ing:
Ex. 1 - Before I went to class, I did the homework.
Before going to class, I did the homework.
Ex. 2 – When he reads the chapter, he takes notes.
When reading the chapter, he takes notes.
4. The adverb phrase can come before or
after the independent clause. If it comes
before, there should be a comma.
Ex. While doing her homework, Ann listened to
music.
Ann listened to music while doing her homework.
5. If the adverb clause is negative, put not
before the verb form.
’
Ex. After he didn t pass the test, he hired a tutor.
After not passing the test, he hired a tutor.
Can all adverb
clauses be
changed to
phrases?
Some time clauses can (p. 388)

• Adverb clauses beginning with after, before, while,
when and since can all be reduced to phrases.
Examples:
• Peter went to bed after finishing his homework.
• Before going to bed, he finished his homework.
• While studying, he ate pizza.
• He listens to music when studying.
• Since coming to this country, he has changed his
study habits.
• *Adverb clauses beginning with other time
subordinators (as soon as, until, as long as, etc.) cannot be
reduced to phrases.