REDUCED ADVERBS

CLAUSES
MS. DORIS RAYMUNDO
General Rules

Rule 1: If the main verb of the adverb clause is the be verb,

omit the subject and the be verb.

While I was walking down the street, I came across a very

strange guy.

While walking down the street, I came across a very strange

guy.
Rule 2: If the main verb of the adverb clause is NOT the
be verb, omit the subject and change the verb to ~ing.

Before I go to school in the morning, I usually take a

shower.

Before going to school in the morning, I usually take a

shower.
Rule 3: The reduction is possible only when the subjects
of the adverb clause and the main clause are the same.

Before he came, I had already finished my homework .

(different subjects)

[The adverb clause in this sentence cannot be reduced to

a phrase.]
Reduced Adverb Clauses of Time

After he did military service, he became a monk.

The sentence given above can be reduced to:
After doing military service, he became a monk.

He wrote his first book after he recovered from a major

illness.
This can be reduced to:
He wrote his first book after recovering from a major illness.
He feeds the cats before he goes to work.
Can be reduced to
He feeds the cats before going to work.
Reduced Adverb Clauses of Cause

Because she was late, she didn’t get tickets for the show.
This can be reduced to:
Being late, she didn’t get tickets for the show.

Because I was feeling a bit tired, I didn’t go to work.

This can be reduced to:
Feeling a bit tired, I didn’t go to work.
If there is no "be" verb, change the verb in the
subordinating clause to its -ing form. Sometimes the
subordinator (when or while) can be deleted as well.

When I opened the door, I saw a strange sight.

When opening the door, I saw a strange sight.

Opening the door, I saw a strange sight.

Time:
While (during the same time)

While I was watching TV, I heard someone knock on the

door.
While watching TV, I heard someone knock on the door.

Watching TV, I heard someone knock on the door. [While

can be omitted.]
Cause and Effect
Because he wanted more money, he accepted the offer.

Wanting more money, he accepted the offer. [Because is

omitted.]

Because I didn’t want to hurt her, I didn’t tell her the truth.

Not wanting to hurt her, I didn’t tell her the truth.

Since I came to the U.S.A., I have been studying
English.

Since coming to the U.S.A., I have been studying

English.
1.- After she purchased the shoes, Maria decided to
exchange them for a different color.

2.- Since Marc came to Los Angeles, he has learned much more
English and made new friends.

3.- Before she began the new class, Alexa purchased a textbook
and dictionary.
1.After purchasing the shoes, Maria decided to exchange
them for a different color.

2.Since coming to Los Angeles, Mark has learned much

more English and made new friends.

3.Before beginning the new class, Alexa purchased a

textbook and dictionary.