Adverb Phrases
Shortening clauses to modifying phrases
While – When – Before – After – Since
While – "during the time"
| TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES | ONE CLAUSE SHORTENED TO A MODIFYING PHRASE |
|---|---|
If the subject of both clauses is the same, the clause can be shortened. |
The repeated subject is deleted. The -ing form of the verb replaces the active verb. (Replace the pronoun with the noun so that information is not lost.) |
While John was walking home, he came across a skunk. (ongoing; "during the time") |
While walking home, John came across a skunk. |
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When – "immediately after"
| TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES | ONE CLAUSE SHORTENED TO A MODIFYING PHRASE |
|---|---|
If the subject of both clauses is the same, the clause can be shortened. |
The repeated subject is deleted. The -ing form of the verb replaces the active verb. (Replace the pronoun with the noun so that information is not lost.) |
When John lets his dog in, he wipes its paws. |
When letting his dog in, John wipes its paws. |
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Also see When / While
Before – "at a time earlier than"
| TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES | ONE CLAUSE SHORTENED TO A MODIFYING PHRASE |
|---|---|
If the subject of both clauses is the same, the clause can be shortened. |
The repeated subject is deleted. The -ing form of the verb replaces the active verb. (Replace the pronoun with the noun so that information is not lost.) |
Before Anne left home, she locked the doors. |
Before leaving home, she locked the doors. |
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After – "at a time later than"
| TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES | ONE CLAUSE SHORTENED TO A MODIFYING PHRASE |
|---|---|
If the subject of both clauses is the same, the clause can be shortened. |
The repeated subject is deleted. The -ing form of the verb replaces the active verb. (Replace the pronoun with the noun so that information is not lost.) |
After Anne left work, she went food shopping. |
After leaving work, Anne went food shopping. |
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Since – "from that to this moment"
| TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES | ONE CLAUSE SHORTENED TO A MODIFYING PHRASE |
|---|---|
If the subject of both clauses is the same, the clause can be shortened. |
The repeated subject is deleted. The -ing form of the verb replaces the active verb. (Replace the pronoun with the noun so that information is not lost.) |
Since Eric was laid off work, he has been job-hunting. |
Since being laid off work, Eric has been job-hunting. |
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Sentence Transformation
| CHANGES | ADVERBIAL CLAUSE | OTHER CLAUSE | |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Check that the subject of both clauses is the same person. |
Before Anna (1) left home, |
she (2) locked the doors. |
2 |
Omit the subject of the first clause. |
Before [Anna] left home, |
|
3 |
Change the verb to -ing form. |
Before [left] leaving home, |
|
4 |
Replace the pronoun with the original noun so that information is not lost. |
Before leaving home, |
[she] locked the doors. (optional) |
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|
Before leaving home, |
Anna locked the doors. |
Common Mistake
| ERROR | FIX |
|---|---|
Before taking a driving course, his father told him to be careful. |
Before the son took a driving course, his father told him to be careful. |
Unfortunately, the ball hit John in the back of the head while running. |
Unfortunately, the ball hit John in the back of the head while John was running. |
Practice
Simultaneous Events
- Select a phrase that can replace the because-clause if it is possible. Make sure the subject of both sentences is the same.
- Compare your response to the answer on the right by clicking the "check" button.