Skill 14: REDUCED ADVERB CLAUSES
Adverb clauses can also appear in a reduced form. In the reduced form, the adverb connector remains, but the subject and be-verb are omitted.
Although he is rather unwell, the speaker will take part in the seminar.
=> Although rather unwell, the speaker will take part in the seminar (omit “he is”)
When you are ready, you can begin your speech.
=> When ready, you can begin your speech. (omit “you are”)
These two examples may be used in either the complete or reduced form. In the reduced form, the adverb connectors “although” and “when” remain; the subjects “he” and “you” as well as the be-verbs “is” and “are” are omitted.
If there is no be-verb in the adverb clause, it is still possible to have a reduced form. When there is no be-verb in the adverb clause, the. subject is omitted and the main verb is changed into the -ing form.
Although he feels rather sick, the speaker will take part in the seminar.
=> Although feeling rather sick, the speaker will take part in the seminar. (reduced form)
When you give your speech, you should speak loudly and distinctly.
=> When giving your speech, you should speak loudly and distinctly. (reduced form)
In the first example the adverb clause “although he feels rather sick” does not include a be-verb; to reduce this clause, the subject “he” is omitted and the main verb “feels” is changed to “feeling”. In the second example the adverb clause “when you give your speech” also does not include a be-verb; to reduce this clause, the subject “you” is omitted and the main verb “give” is changed to “giving”.
Example:
When _____, you are free to leave.
A. the finished report
B. finished with the report
C. the report
D. is the report finished
Answer:
In this example you should notice the adverb connector “when”, and you should know that this time word could be followed by either a complete clause or a reduced clause. Answers (A) and (C) contain the subjects “the finished report” and “the report” and no verb, so these answers are incorrect. In answer (D) the subject and verb are inverted, and this is not a question, so answer (D) is incorrect. The correct answer is answer (B); this answer is the reduced form of the clause “when you are finished with the report”.
It should be noted that not all adverb clauses can appear in a reduced form, and a number of adverb clauses can only be reduced if the verb is in the passive form.
Once you submit your thesis, you will graduate.
(active — does not reduce)
Once submitted, your thesis will be reviewed. (Once IT IS submitted, your thesis will be reviewed.)
(passive — does reduce)
In the first example, the adverb clause “once you submit your thesis” does not reduce because clauses introduced by once only reduce if the verb is passive, and the verb submit is active. In the second example, the adverb clause “once it is submitted” does reduce to “once submitted” because the clause is introduced by “once” and the verb “is submitted” is passive.
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