Reducing
Adverbial Clauses
The same
time
Time clauses
with “while” and “when” can be reduced by deleting the
subject and “be” verb.
- While I was eating dinner, I watched
television.
While eating
dinner, I watched television.
- When you are in Rome, (you) do as the Romans
do.
When in Rome, do
as the Romans do.
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.
Note: If the
subjects are different, you may not reduce the adverbial clause.
- While I was taking a shower, my sister called from
California.
While taking a shower, my sister called from California. (wrong)
Be careful
when reducing time clauses that come at the end of sentences.
- We saw many beautiful birds while we were fishing in
the lake.
We saw many
beautiful birds while fishing in the lake.
We saw many beautiful birds fishing in the lake. (wrong)
In the last
sentence, the meaning is ambiguous: Are we fishing or are the birds
fishing?
Different
time
- After I finished my homework, I went to bed.
After finishing
my homework, I went to bed.
- After I had finished my homework, I went to bed.
After having
finished my homework, I went to bed.
Having finished
my homework, I went to bed.
- Before he left the dance, Jerry said good-bye to his
girlfriend.
Before leaving
the dance, Jerry said good-bye to his girlfriend.
Other adverbial clause
Sometimes
clauses with because can be reduced.
- Because he was a doctor, George knew how to handle the
situation.
Being a doctor, George knew how to handle the situation.
As a doctor, George knew how to handle the situation.