Notes on Adverb Clauses

Here are the notes from today for your review:


I. Reducing adverb clauses with WHILE:

1. While I was sitting on the bench, I was waiting for the bus.

1A. While sitting on the bench, I was waiting for the bus.

1B. Sitting on the bench, I was waiting for the bus.

2. While I was sitting on the bench, a funny man passed by.
2A. This cannot be reduced because the subjects are different.
While sitting on the bench, a funny man passed by.
As I demonstrated in class today, this sentence is simply impossible UNLESS the funny man has the power to separate his legs from his body!

3. While I sat on the bench, I read a book.
3A. While sitting on the bench, I read a book.
3B. Sitting on the bench, I read a book.

While Mr. Jones was waiting for the bus, he spoke with an old friend.
While waiting for the bus, Mr. Jones spoke with an old friend.


II. Reducing adverb clauses with BECAUSE:

Because she needed some money, she went to the ATM machine for cash.
Needing some money, she went to the ATM for cash.

Because she needs some money now, she is going to the ATM machine for cash.
Needing some money now, she is going to the ATM machine for cash.

Because she was unable to pass level 5, she had to repeat it.

REMOVE BECAUSE + SUBJECT. CHANGE BE VERB TO BEING

Being unable to pass level 5, she had to repeat it.

You can remove BEING

Unable to pass level 5, she had to repeat it.

III. REDUCING ADVERB CLAUSES WITH WHEN:

1. When I turned 16, I got my driver’s license.

REMOVE WHEN AND SUBJECT, ADD UPON + ING VERB:
1A. Upon turning 16, I got my driver’s license.

CHANGE UPON TO ON
1B. On turning 16, I got my driver’s license

2. When I got married, I changed my name legally.
2A. I changed my name legally upon getting married.

3. When my husband heard the news that I was pregnant, he immediately called his family.
3A. Upon hearing the news that I was pregnant,…
3B. On hearing the news...


So do you get this stuff or not?

Remember: the only adverb clauses that can be reduced/changed are those which start with WHILE, BECAUSE, and WHEN. Do not reduce other adverb clauses, such as those which begin with BEFORE, AFTER, SINCE, etc...