Skill 14: Use reduced adverb clauses correctly

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.

When YOU ARE ready, you can begin your speech.

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-verb 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.

REDUCED ADVERB CLAUSES

with a be-verb in the adverb clause

with no be-verb in the adverb clause

time condition contrast place manner

reduces in ACTIVE after if although
before unless though
since whether
while
when

reduces in PASSIVE once if although where as
until unless though wherever
when whether
whenever

* To reduce an adverb clause, omit the subject and the be-verb from the adverb clause.
* If there is no be-verb, then subject and change the verb to the -ing form.