Adverbial Clauses are Your Friends

Monday, February 7, 2011

Here we are on a Monday and yet again, I find myself once more warning you about the weather. It is to turn frightfully cold later tonight. Make sure you wear your warmest clothes and winter gear this week; frostbite happens very quickly with below zero wind chills. (Is it summer yet? How about now? How about NOW? No? <sigh>)

Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses answer questions words from the main clauses. Think of the main clause as a tiny sentence. It provides some information, but not enough information to enlighten our reader/listener. When we first learn English, we write very choppy sentences to make sure the grammar is right.

I felt ill. I went to the doctor. He said I had the flu. He gave me some medicine.

OK. This does convey our information but it sounds, well...rather monotonous. Try reading the previous sentences out loud. It actually sounds strange to have all those pauses between the sentences, right?

Thus, we need our friends, the adverbial clauses.

Since I felt ill, I went to the doctor. He gave me some medicine because he said I had the flu.

Now read that out loud. It sounds much better doesn't it? (I can see you all nodding your heads!)

This also helps us greatly when we write because 1) we avoid accidently using subordinating clauses as sentences, and 2) it allows us to utilize complex grammar and an extended vocabulary.

Next time you write in class or at home, re-read your sentences. If the start of your sentence is 'Because...' please make sure it is attached to a main clause! If you struggle with writing fragments, play special attention to this week's grammar lesson!

Practice
Our Canadian friends at the English Language Centre at the University of Victoria bring us this lovely page on adverbial clauses. Make sure you click on 'first exercise' at the bottom of the page to test your knowledge!

Homework for February 7, 2011

1. Writing Journal: Topic: Your choice (150 words) (Make it a good one. This is your last writing journal assignment before you hand in your journal on Friday.); Due: Friday, February, 11, 2011
2. Unit 3: Lesson A: Workbook: 1. A & C, 2. A, B, & C
3. Unit 3: Lesson B: Workbook: All exercises; Due Friday, February 11, 2011. Either xerox the pages or simply write your answers on a sheet of paper.

~Happy Studying!~ (and Stay Warm!)