How To Reduce the Adverb Clause (free PDF)

This lesson from the Learning Depot covers how to reduce adverb clauses, building on a previous lesson about adjective clauses. It reviews the function of adverb clauses and provides a step-by-step guide on reducing them, including examples and common errors like dangling modifiers.

What is the primary function of an adverb clause?

• To modify nouns

• To modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs

• To connect two independent clauses

• To provide a conclusion

Which of the following is NOT a condition for reducing an adverb clause?

• The reduction must not change the original meaning

• Both clauses must share the same subject

• The adverb clause must contain a modal verb

• The subordinating conjunction can be left out in some cases

In the example 'Although the bride was nervous, she was happy to walk down the aisle,' what is the first step in reducing the adverb clause?

• Remove the subordinating conjunction

• Add a modal verb

• Change the verb tense

• Remove the subject from the adverb clause

What happens to the helping verb in the adverb clause during reduction?

• It is moved to the main clause

• It is replaced with a modal verb

• It is removed

• It is changed to past tense

In the example 'Once the cake is done, it must cool in the refrigerator,' what is the reduced form?

• Once done, the cake must cool in the refrigerator

• Once the cake done, it must cool in the refrigerator

• Once the cake is done, must cool in the refrigerator

• The cake must cool in the refrigerator once done

What is a dangling modifier?

• A modifier that is too long

• A modifier that is misplaced and modifies the wrong word

• A modifier that is repeated

• A modifier that is not needed

In the sentence 'Tom was attacked by a shark while he was swimming in the beach,' what is the error when reducing the adverb clause?

• The conjunction is missing

• It creates a dangling modifier

• The verb tense is incorrect

• The subject is not clear