Summary of Reduction of Adverb Clauses

An adverb clause can be changed to a modifying phrase only when the subject of the adverb clause and the subject of the main clause are the same.

1- Subordinate conjunction + subject + be + verb Keep the subordinate conjunction Drop: subject + be While I was talking to Sam, I noticed an old friend. While I was talking to Sam, I noticed an old friend.

2- Subordinate conjonction + subject + verb Keep the subordinate conjunction Drop the subject Change the verb to –ing form (gerund) After I ate breakfast, I went to work. After I ate eating breakfast, I went to work.

3- Because / As / Since* (cause and effect conjunctions) Drop the subordinate conjunction Drop the subject Change the verb to –ing form (gerund) Because Sue needed to read the book, she borrowed a copy from the library. Because Sue needed Needing to read the book, she Sue borrowed a copy from the library.

3- Because / As / Since* (cause and effect conjunctions) Having + past participle gives the meaning not only of "because” but also of “before.” Because I have seen that movie before, I didn’t want to go again. Having seen that movie before, I didn’t want to go again.

3- Because / As / Since* (cause and effect conjunctions) A form of be in the adverb clause may be changed to being. The use of being makes the cause-and-effect relationship clear. Because she was unable to afford a car, she bought a bicycle. Being unable to afford a car, she bought a bicycle. Unable to afford a car, she bought a bicycle.

4- When 1. You can either follow the general rule: When I arrived to school, I started reviewing for the exam. When arriving to school, I started reviewing for the exam. 2. Or: Replace when with upon Drop the subject Change the verb to –ing form (gerund) When I arrived Upon arriving to school, I started reviewing for the exam.