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Chapter 3: Building Sentences – Adverb Clauses

II. Building Compound and Complex Sentences

1.0 Compound Sentences: Joining Two Independent Clauses

In a compound sentence, one independent clause is always connected to another independent clause.  They are connected by ‘Subordinating Conjunctions’.  In the workplace or in the military, a subordinate is a person who is under someone or lower in rank than someone—a boss or supervisor.

So, subordinate clauses are clauses that have a ‘lesser’ role or meaning in a sentence.  When a conjunction is added to a clause, the idea of that clause is no longer complete.

Example

We were watching a movie.  (independent clause)

While we were watching a movie.  (‘while’ is added, and now the idea is no longer complete.  If we say this, someone else would ask, “What?  What were you doing while you were watching a movie?”)

Remember, a ‘child’ clause must always have an ‘adult’ clause with it.  In the example above, the meaning of the dependent clause is not complete.  The main clause, the independent clause, completes the meaning of the dependent clause.  We can add an independent clause to complete the idea.

Example

While we were watching a movie.  (dependent clause)

ADD another independent clause to complete the idea:

  • While we were watching a movie, we were eating pizza.

1.1 Coordinating Conjunctions Join Independent Clauses

The coordinating conjunctions are as follows:

For: Means ‘because’.  It is not commonly used any more, as it is seen as outdated and formal.

Example

He was not happy, for he did not get his desired job.

And: Means ‘an additional thing’—one more thing.

Example

She was happy, and she felt lighthearted.

Nor: The same as ‘or’, except it is a negative.  You cannot have this AND you cannot have that.  This is not true, and that is not true.  Here, you add two negative ideas together.

Example

He is not rich, nor is he famous.

But: A contrasting idea.

Example

She is rich, but she drives an old car.

Or: There is a choice between two things, but you can only choose one and not both.

Example

You can have the orange, or you can have the apple.

Yet: A contrasting idea, but one that is unexpected.

Example

She is rich, yet she drives an old car.

So: Rather than expressing the cause of something as ‘for’ does, it indicates the result of something.

Example

It was raining, so he took his umbrella with him.

Note: ‘So’ can also be a subordinating conjunction, but it means ‘so that’ or ‘for the purpose of’.

Note: When you use ‘nor’, you must use the auxiliary verb ‘do/does’ with the verb in the second clause.  In addition, you must reverse the order of the subject and the auxiliary verb (for an action verb)—just as you would do for a question.  If the sentence uses the verb BE or a linking verb, the order of the subject and the verb are simply reversed.

Examples

She is not a singer, nor is she a dancer.

She does not sing, nor does she dance.

1.2 Paired Conjunctions

Besides the solo conjunctions, there are also paired conjunctions, which are used in each of the independent clauses.  Instead of using two independent parallel clauses to express an idea, a paired conjunction emphasizes that the two ideas are connected in some way.  Each clause gets one of the Conjunctions.

Note: It is more common to use paired conjunctions to join words rather than to join clauses.  Using paired conjunctions often comes across as being too formal, and it can also be confusing.

Either/Or: One thing is possible, or either thing is possible, but both are not possible.

Example

Either he is greedy, or he really needs money badly.

Neither/Nor: The is the same as ‘either/or’, but it is in the negative.  One thing is not true or possible, and the other thing is not true or possible.

Example

He is neither rich, nor is he famous.

Both/And: Emphasizes that both things are true or are possible.  With ‘both/and’, an easier or less clumsy way to express this would be to join just the two parallel words with a single conjunction.

Example

She is both kind and generous.

Not only/But also: Like both/and, but it emphasizes that we might not expect to include the second option.

Example

Not only is she kind, but she also donates a lot of money to charity.

Note: with ‘but also’, the normal pattern of use is: but + subject of the sentence.

 

Exercises

  1. In the paragraphs below, underline the coordinating conjunctions that join independent clauses.  Double underline the coordinating conjunctions that join only words or phrases.
     
    A Short Biography of Nikola Tesla
     
    Figure 3.4 Lightening strike

    Nikola Tesla did more to advance our understanding of electricity than any other person in the history of humanity.  He had an incredible understanding of physics and engineering and had studied physics and engineering, yet he never finished a degree in these subjects.
     
    Telsa was born in Croatia to his parents, Milutin and Duka, in 1856.  His father was a priest in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and his mother’s father was also a priest of the same Eastern Orthodox Church.  When he was a child, he studied German, math, and religion.  He developed an interest in electricity by watching one of his professors conduct experiments in class.
     
    He was highly creative and built an electric motor that worked with alternating current, and he also drew up plans for a ‘flying machine’.  He eventually moved to New York, and he began working for Thomas Edison, who invented the first practical light bulb.  However, the methods that Edison and Tesla used were very different, so Telsa and Edison eventually went their separate ways.  Edison used ‘direct current’ in his electrical systems, but Edison used ‘alternating current’.
     
    Edison also discovered X-rays, and he later used radio waves to build a wireless broadcasting tower.  He worked on other projects, including turbines, a remote-control boat and man-made lightening.
     

    Answers show/hide

    Nikola Tesla did more to advance our understanding of electricity than any other person in the history of humanity.  He had an incredible understanding of physics and engineering and had studied physics and engineering, yet he never finished a degree in these subjects.

    Telsa was born in Croatia to his parents, Milutin and Duka, in 1856.  His father was a priest in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and his mother’s father was also a priest of the same Eastern Orthodox Church.  When he was a child, he studied German, math and religion.  He developed an interest in electricity by watching one of his professors conduct experiments in class.

    He was very creative and built an electric motor that worked with alternating current, and he also drew up plans for a ‘flying machine’.  He eventually moved to New York, and he began working for Thomas Edison, who invented the first practical light bulb.  However, the methods that Edison and Tesla used were very different, so Telsa and Edison eventually went their separate ways.  Edison used ‘direct current’ in his electrical systems, but Edison used ‘alternating current’.

    Edison also discovered X-rays, and he later used radio waves to build a wireless broadcasting tower.  He worked on other projects, including turbines, a remote-control boat and man-made lightning.

     

  2. Decide on the relationship of the ideas in the two clauses below, then add the correct coordinating conjunction in the blank in each sentence.  Tesla hoped to send pictures over radio waves, but a financial crash and other misfortunes at the time prevented him from completing this.
     
    Use: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
     
    1. Mateo missed three days of class,                       he was sick.
    2. Jan was frustrated by his boss’s lack of support,                       he confronted him during a meeting.
    3. Nanami was usually very busy,                       she always found time to help her friends.
    4. Sofie did not always come on time,                       did she show an interest in the work.
    5. Alessi was very good at math,                       she was also good at physics.
    6. Filip couldn’t sleep,                       he was worried about his exam the next day.
    7. Filip didn’t like vegetables very much,                       he ate them for his health.
    8. Emre was very good at writing,                       he always tried to avoid it.
    9. Rama could choose a career in management,                       he could go in the direction of training workers.
    10. Jakub was not afraid,                       was he unwilling to try new things.
    11. Juan and Rosa worked hard at their dance lessons,                       they were soon winning dance competitions in their region.
    12. Thomasa played the guitar,                       he also played drums.
    13. Fatma was expected to win the tennis tournament,                       she somehow came in last.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. for
    2. so
    3. but
    4. nor
    5. and
    6. for
    7. but
    8. yet
    9. or
    10. nor
    11. so
    12. and
    13. yet

     

  3. When you use the Coordinating Conjunctions ‘but’ and ‘yet’, they both show that the clauses that they join are opposite or different from each other.  However, ‘yet’ has an additional meaning in that the clause that is opposite to the first was not expected to be the result.
     
    Example: She was rich, yet she drove a cheap, old car.
    • Usually, when someone is rich, we expect them to drive an expensive car, but here the second clause shows that it is opposite to that expectation—she drives a cheap, old car.

     
    Fill in the blanks with either ‘but’ or ‘yet’.
     

    1. Jakub was very good at soccer,                his parents pressured him to focus on his studies.
    2. Alessi found university to be very difficult,                she always got good grades.
    3. Rama thought that he was taking the highway to Seattle,                he was actually on the wrong road.
    4. William was a very good driver,                he seemed to get into accidents frequently.
    5. Sofie wanted to have Chinese food for dinner,                she decided on Vietnamese food instead.
    6. Isabella loves to sing,                she also plays guitar.
    7. Mateo is a very friendly person,                people don’t seem to like him.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. yet
    2. yet
    3. but
    4. yet
    5. but
    6. but
    7. yet

     

  4. Join the following clauses with one of the Coordinating Conjunctions.  The clauses may not be in the correct order, so be sure to put the clauses in the correct order first.  With some sentences, there may be two possible answers.  Be sure to capitalize the first word at the beginning of the sentence and add a period at the end.  Also, add a comma after the first clause in the sentence.
     
    1. Juana was usually at work by 6:00 a.m.
      she got a lot of work done before others showed up.
    2. He was usually not well-liked
      he was quite arrogant.
    3. He was a little late.
      Luis had problems on the freeway this morning
    4. he never combed his hair
      Sebastion was always well-dressed
    5. His new car was very elegant and fancy
      it didn’t get very good gas mileage.
    6. before the meeting she had to quickly print it out again
      her report got soaked in the rain on the way to work
    7. I also like to go to the festivities of other cultures.
      I enjoy eating at different ethnic restaurants
    8. the cities of Tokyo and New York both have huge populations
      the city of Tokyo has far less violent crime.
    9. should you listen to someone’s private conversation.
      you should not walk between two people who are talking in Japan
    10. he might have lost his wallet (it)
      his wallet (it) could have gotten stolen.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. Juana was usually at work by 6:00 a.m., so she got a lot of work done before others showed up.
    2. He was usually not well liked, for he was quite arrogant.
      OR
      He was quite arrogant, so he was usually not well-liked.
    3. Luis had problems on the freeway this morning, so he was a little late.
    4. Sebastion was always well dressed, yet he never combed his hair.
    5. His new car was very elegant and fancy, but it didn’t get very good gas mileage.
    6. Her report got soaked in the rain on the way to work, so before the meeting she had to quickly print it out again.
    7. I enjoy eating at different ethnic restaurants, and I also like to go to the festivities of other cultures.
    8. The cities of Tokyo and New York both have huge populations, yet the city of Tokyo has far less violent crime.
    9. You should not walk between two people who are talking in Japan, nor should you listen to someone’s private conversation.
    10. He might have lost his wallet, or it could have gotten stolen.

     

  5. Complete the sentences using each of the Coordinating Conjunctions.
     
    1. She was very poor in university,                                                                  (so)
    2. Ahmed didn’t speak English when he moved to England                                                                  (and)
    3. Jared looked for a job for two months,                                                                  (but)
    4. Jason had never left his own country                                                                  (nor)
    5. Akira had never been to Korea                                                                  (but)

     
    Write your own complete sentences using the Coordinating Conjunctions that follow.
     

    1.                                                                                                                                                           (yet)
    2.                                                                                                                                                           (so)
    3.                                                                                                                                                           (but)
    4.                                                                                                                                                           (or)
    5.                                                                                                                                                           (for)

     
    Answers will vary.

2.0 Complex Sentences: Joining an Independent Clause to a Dependent Clause

A complex sentence joins an independent clause to a dependent clause.  Although both clauses are grammatically complete, the idea of the dependent clause is not complete.  Joining an independent clause to a dependent clause completes the idea.

Examples

‘After we eat dinner’ is a dependant clause.  Although it has a subject ‘we’ and a verb ‘eat’, the idea is not complete.  The person who is listening to this or reading it will be a left with a question, “Well, what will happen after we eat dinner?” You could complete the idea by adding an independent clause such as, “we will watch a movie.”

Subordinating conjunctions (used with dependent clauses) connect clauses in a different way than coordinating clauses.  Rather than going between the two clauses, they are always connected to the dependent clause.  If the dependent clause moves, the subordinating conjunction moves with it— they are part of a ‘family’ that must stay together.

  • If the dependent clause comes first in the sentence, the subordinating conjunction will be at the beginning of the sentence.
  • A comma must come between the two clauses.

Examples

While we are watching a movie, we will eat pizza.

On the other hand:

  • If the independent clause comes first in the sentence, the subordinating conjunction will be between the two clauses because the conjunction stays with the dependent clause, which now comes after the dependent clause.
  • Here, a comma must come between the two clauses.

Examples

We will eat pizza while we are watching a movie.

2.1 Common Subordinating Clauses and their Meanings

Subordinating conjunctions join two clauses into a certain kind of relationship of thought: a time relationship, a cause/effect relationship, a contrasting relationship, or a conditional relationship (something must happen, a condition, for something else to happen).

The following are subordinating conjunction categories; some common subordinating conjunctions for each one, their meanings and an example of each are given. The dependent clause with the subordinating clause is the adverb clause.

2.1.1 Time

  1. Before: Something in the dependent clause happens, but the main clause happens first.

    Example

    Before we watch a movie, we will eat dinner.
  2. After: Something in the dependent clause happens first.  The main clause happens second.

    Example

    After we ate dinner, we washed the dishes.
  3. When: The action in the dependent adverb clause happens first.   The action in the main independent clause happens immediately after that.

    Example

    When the sun set, it got cold.
  4. While/As: The action in both the adverb clause and the main clause happens at the same time.

    Examples

    While she was cleaning her apartment, she listened to her favorite band.

    As she was cleaning her apartment, she listened to her favorite band.

  5. Since: The action of the adverb clause comes first.  The action of the main clause happens after that.

    Example

    Since she graduated, she has gotten five job offers.
  6. Until: The action in main clause will continue while waiting for the action of the adverb clause.

    Example

    Until she gets a job, she will need to be careful with her money.

Exercises

  1. Choose the correct Subordinating Conjunction of time from the list to go in the blanks below.
     
    (while, before, after, when, until, since)
     
    1. People have been travelling on jet planes                       the first jet airliner was put into service in 1949.
    2.                       the first supersonic jet liner, the Concord, was invented, it would take around nine hours to fly from New York to London.  With the Concord, people could make the trip in around 3 hours.
    3. Passengers must listen to a safety presentation                       an airliner takes off.
    4.                       a jet takes off, the landing gear is pulled up into the fuselage.
    5.                       they are on a long journey on an airplane, airline companies often serve meals to the passengers.
    6.                       an airplane hits severe air turbulence, some passengers get sick.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. since
    2. until
    3. before
    4. after
    5. while
    6. when

     

  2. Join the two clauses and add the indicated subordinating conjunction of time to connect them.  Be sure to attach the conjunction to the correct clause and add a comma in the correct place if needed.
     
    1. Most people start a new business.  They need to borrow money for start-up costs.  (when)
    2. Someone applies for a business loan at a bank.  They need to develop a sound business plan.  (before)
    3. They are waiting to hear if their business loan has been approved.  Most potential entrepreneurs are waiting anxiously to see if their dream will be realized.  (while)
    4. There is much to be done before a business can open.  Their business loan has been approved. (after)
    5. The time that a business plan is developed.  Until the time that the business opens can be many years.  (since)
    6. You actually open your business.  You can’t possibly know everything that will be needed.  (until)

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. When most people start a new business, they need to borrow money for start-up costs.
    2. Before someone applies for a business loan at a bank, they need to develop a sound business plan.
    3. While they are waiting to hear if their business loan has been approved, most potential entrepreneurs are waiting anxiously to see if their dream will be realized.
    4. There is much to be done before a business can open after their business loan has been approved.
    5. Since the time that a business plan is developed, until the time that the business opens can be many years.
    6. Until you actually open your business, you can’t possibly know everything that will be needed.

     

  3. Finish the sentences with either an independent clause or a dependent clause of time.  When writing dependent clauses of time, you must use the subordinating conjunction of time in the brackets.  Note that some dependent clauses of time already have a subordinating conjunction of time.
     
    1. Since the first wheel was invented,                                          .
    2.                                           the earthquake happened.  (after)
    3.                                           until she finished the movie.
    4. When Karna opened her gift,                                          .
    5.                                          , she slowly started to relax.  (while)
    6.                                          , you must call your mother.  (before)

     
    Answers will vary.

2.1.2 Cause/Effect

  1. Because: The action of the adverb clause causes the action in the main clause.

    Example

    Because she was sick, she couldn’t go to the concert.
  2. Since: The action of the adverb clause causes the action in the main clause.

    Example

    Since she was sick, she couldn’t go to the concert.
  3. Now that: The action of the adverb clause causes the action in the main clause.

    Example

    Now that she has a new car, her repair bills have decreased.
  4. As: The action of the adverb clause causes the action in the main clause.

    Example

    As he was sick, he didn’t go to work.
  5. In order that: The action of the main clause is done to make the action in the adverb clause happen or be possible.  Has the same meaning as ‘in order to’.

    Example

    In order that he could take a longer vacation, Simad took his vacation just after the national holiday.
  6. So that: The action of the main clause is done to make the action in the adverb clause happen or be possible.

    Example

    Jan took extra money with him on his vacation so (that) he could buy a few small gifts for his friends.

Exercises

  1. Choose the correct Subordinating Conjunction of cause/effect from the list to go in the blanks below.
     
    (now that, as, since, because, in order that, so, so that)
     
    1.                       she had arrived in Paris, Emre was excited to see the famous Louvre Museum.
    2.                       the lake was frozen over, Jan and his friends decided to go skating.
    3.                       Fatima could travel to Bulgaria, she had to change trains five times.
    4. Riko bought a rail pass when she arrived in Italy                       she could travel to most of the famous places.
    5.                       it was so hot and humid in India, Adam had to buy a few new cooler shirts when he arrived.
    6. Maria was overwhelmed when she moved to San Paolo,                       she actually came from a small town.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. now that
    2. because
    3. so that
    4. so
    5. as
    6. since

     

  2. Join the two clauses and add the indicated subordinating conjunction of cause/effect to connect them.  Be sure to attach the conjunction to the correct clause and add a comma in the correct place if needed.  There is a blank in front of each clause so that you do not need to write out the entire sentence.  In the correct blank, simply add the correct subordinating conjunction and a comma, if necessary.  Capitalize the first letter of the sentence if there is no conjunction at the beginning of the sentence.
     
    1.                       in university in the US, some professors want students to call them by their first names                       they believe that their authority should not be used to intimidate students.  (since)
    2.                       in Japan, university may not be seen as the most important thing for your career                       companies or organizations often train their employees extensively.   (because)
    3.                       students can graduate with a Bachelor’s degree within four years                       many of them are taking summer courses.  (so that)
    4.                       there is more of an emphasis on practical knowledge in American universities                       students are often given assignments that are applied to the world outside of the university.  (now that)
    5.                       theoretical knowledge is regarded as important in European and Mexican universities                       students may do more reading in classical literature than in other universities.  (as)
    6.                       many companies want their employees to be able to do research                       many students are required to be involved in research together with her professors in university.   (because)

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. In university in the US, some professors want students to call them by their first names since they believe that their authority should not be used to intimidate students.
    2. In Japan, university may not be seen as the most important thing for your career because companies or organizations often train their employees extensively.
    3. So that students can graduate with a bachelor’s degree within four years, many of them are taking summer courses.
    4. Now that there is more of an emphasis on practical knowledge in American universities, students are often given assignments that are applied to the world outside of the university.
    5. As theoretical knowledge is regarded as important in European and Mexican universities, students may do more reading in classical literature than in other universities.
    6. Because many companies want their employees to be able to do research, many students are required to be involved in research together with her professors in university.

     

  3. Finish the cause/effect sentences with either an independent clause or a dependent clause.
     
    1. Because he had been travelling for two weeks,                                                                 .  
    2. He couldn’t find an apartment close to his school, so                                                                 .
    3. As the bank was not opened on the weekend,                                                                 .
    4. Now that Diego had recovered from his virus,                                                                 .
    5. Since the requirements to become an accountant had changed while Juana was in university,                                                                 .
    6. Merve (she) bought three tickets to the concert so that                                                                 .

     
    Answers will vary.

2.1.3 Opposition

  1. Though: The situation that is or that happens in the main clause is different from what we expected to happen as a result of the action of the adverb clause.

    Example

    Though she spent hours cooking the holiday dinner, it did not turn out well.

    This is sometimes used when there may be some similarity between the ideas of the two clauses or the two things being compared, but the part that is different is highlighted.

    Example

    Though Jaime is usually very organized, he sometimes forgets to do some tasks.
  2. Although: (same as above)

    Examples

    Although his car was old, it never broke down.

    Although his car was ugly, it was reliable.  (not everything was bad)

  3. Even though: (same as above)

    Example

    Even though he had a very good salary, he always seemed to run out of money at the end of the month.

    Even though he was always on time, he sometimes came unprepared (not always).

  4. Whereas: The thing being discussed in the adverb clause completely contrasts with or is completely different than the main clause.

    Example

    Whereas Kumi was very organized, her sister was very messy.
  5. While: (same as above).

    Example

    While Europe has a lot of older classic buildings, most American cities are quite new and may be plain in comparison.

Exercises

  1. Choose a Subordinating Conjunction of opposition from the list to go in the blanks below.  There could be more than one possible answer for some of them.
     
    (although, though, even though, whereas, while)
     
    1.                       some people are skeptical of the idea that your brain works at night, research shows that it often works to solve problems while you are sleeping.
    2. The energy in your muscles is derived from adenosine triphosphate (ATP).                        your brain runs on glucose.
    3.                       ATP is long-lasting energy, glucose gets used up quite quickly.
    4.                       many people work very hard, they are sometimes inefficient and don’t get much done.
    5.                       long hours of studying can help you, short bursts of intense study may be more effective.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. even though
      OR
      though
      OR
      while
    2. whereas
      OR
      while
    3. whereas
      OR
      while
    4. even though
      OR
      although
      OR
      though
    5. though
      OR
      although
      OR
      though

     

  2. Join the two clauses and add the indicated subordinating conjunction of cause/effect to connect them.  Be sure to attach the conjunction to the correct clause and add a comma in the correct place if needed.  There is a blank in front of each clause so that you do not need to write out the entire sentence.  In the correct blank (the one that takes the conjunction), simply add the correct subordinating conjunction and a comma, if necessary.  Capitalize the first letter of the sentence if there is no conjunction at the beginning of the sentence.
     
    1.                       autocratic leaders can make an organization respond very quickly to markets                       there is a potential for serious mistakes to be made without the input of their employees.  (while)
    2.                       an organization with a leader who follows the ‘Servant Leadership’ model may have difficulty in moving everyone in the same direction when needed                       they often have high employee satisfaction and good will.  (even though)
    3.                       autocratic leaders usually do not take the ideas of their employees seriously                       in a democratic leadership style, employees’ ideas are encouraged, leading to many innovative ideas.  (whereas)
    4.                       a transformational leader can inspire their employees with a sense of purpose                       employees may become too dependent on their leader for motivation.  (though)
    5.                       in an organization with a Laissez-Faire style leader, employees may feel that management expectations are not clear                       the employees in an organization with a transactional style leader knows exactly what is required of them.  (while)
    6.                       an organization with a democratic leadership style may lack the speed needed to operate in a highly competitive business environment                       when they do move forward, their strategy is usually effective.  (although)

     
    Answers may vary.
     

  3. Finish the cause/effect sentences with either an independent clause or a dependent clause.
     
    1. Although he was completely exhausted at the end of the semester                                                                                  
    2. Even though his favorite football team won                                                                                  
    3. While Marianna was quite outgoing and friendly                                                                                  
    4. Though Raul had spent so much money on making his apartment luxurious                                                                                  
    5. Make your own sentence:
                                                                                                                                                                        .
    6. Make your own sentence:
                                                                                                                                                                        

     
    Answers will vary.

2.1.4 Condition: A Cause/Effect Relationship

Conditionals are a form of cause and effect, except that they sort of work in reverse.  We start with the effect and then define what sort of cause will cause that effect.  Also, instead of only one cause being considered, there is a chance that the cause will or will not happen.  The action that needs to happen for an effect to happen is called the ‘condition’ for the effect being considered.

  1. If: It is not known which cause will happen (unless it is something in our power to do), so we don’t know what the effect will be until the cause happens.

    Example

    If it rains, I will bring my umbrella.  (If it doesn’t rain, I will not bring my umbrella)
  2. Unless: This is the negative of ‘if’.  Here, there is doubt that the cause will happen.  The effect will not likely change at this point in time.

    Example

    Unless she comes soon (she is late), I will need to leave.
  3. Even if: Here, it doesn’t matter which cause happens, the effect will be the same.

    Example

    I’m so mad.  Even if she comes in one minute (she is late), I will leave without her.
  4. Whether or not: Again, it doesn’t matter which cause happens, the effect will be the same.

    Example

    Whether or not these shoes are cheap or expensive, I still won’t buy them.
  5. Only if: Here it is emphasized that only ONE possible action will have the expected effect.

    Example

    Only if I win the lottery can I buy a new car.  I have no money.
  6. In case (that): Here, there is the possibility of a cause happening or not happening.  Here, an alternate outcome is given if the first possible cause does not happen.

    Example

    In case I can’t reach Emily by phone, can you try to call her after I leave?

Exercises

  1. Choose a Subordinating Conjunction of condition from the list to go in the blanks below.  There could be more than one possible answer for some of them.
     
    (if, unless, even if, whether or not, only if, in case (that))
     
    1.                       we will be able to keep global warming under 2o Celsius may depend on whether certain climate ‘tipping points’ can be avoided.
    2. There is a danger that the Atlantic Meridional ocean current could shut down                       we are able to keep global warming under 2o Celcius.
    3. We will see more and more crop failures throughout the world                       we move more quickly to address climate change.
    4.                       there is a continuing drought in many countries, food prices will become unaffordable for many, even for countries with a strong economy.
    5. Many people will become malnourished (even in developed countries)                       food security is not given more attention.
    6.                       food security is addressed will the possibility of world conflict be kept to a minimum.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. whether or not
    2. even if
    3. unless
    4. in case (that)
    5. if
    6. only if

     

  2. Join the two clauses and add the indicated subordinating conjunction of condition to connect them.  Be sure to attach the conjunction to the correct clause and add a comma in the correct place if needed.  There is a blank in front of each clause so that you do not need to write out the entire sentence.  In the correct blank, simply add the correct subordinating conjunction and a comma, if necessary.  Capitalize the first letter of the sentence if there is no conjunction at the beginning of the sentence.
     
    1.                       climate change is addressed as an emergency                       will depend on international leadership instead of political games.  (whether or not)
    2.                       we will be able to avoid severe shortages of food and other goods                       countries work together.  (only if)
    3.                       we are addressing climate change more urgently and immediately                       countries will still need to spend more and more on natural disasters such as floods over the next decades.  (even if)
    4.                       countries will need to prepare to deal with persistent price inflation                       we keep seeing natural disasters continue to happen.  (in case)
    5.                       we may be able to avoid the worst impacts of climate change                       the trend of increasing development of clean energy continues at the current rate.  (if)
    6.                       people are willing to adopt new clean energy solutions                       it doesn’t matter what is available.  (unless)

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. Whether or not climate change is addressed as an emergency will depend on international leadership instead of political games.
    2. We will be able to avoid severe shortages of food and other goods only if countries work together.
    3. Even if we are addressing climate change more urgently and immediately, countries will still need to spend more and more on natural disasters such as floods over the next decades.
    4. Countries will need to prepare to deal with persistent price inflation in case we keep seeing natural disasters continue to happen.
    5. We may be able to avoid the worst impacts of climate change if the trend of increasing development of clean energy continues at the current rate.
    6. Unless people are willing to adopt new clean energy solutions, it doesn’t matter what is available.

     

  3. Finish the cause/effect sentences with either an independent clause or a dependent clause.
     
    1. If I could afford an electric vehicle                                                                 
    2. Even if I wanted to buy an electric vehicle                                                                 
    3. Unless I live close to public transportation                                                                 
    4. Whether or not my country invests in clean energy                                                                 
    5. Only if I can afford an electric vehicle                                                                 
    6. In case I can’t take public transportation to work                                                                 

     
    Answers will vary.

 

Exercises

  1. Identify elements of compound and complex sentences and add appropriate punctuation (commas).
     
    First, underline the conjunction, either Coordinating or Subordinating, in each sentence.
     
    Then, in the blank on the left, identify whether the sentence is a compound sentence (c) or a complex sentence (cx).
     
    Next, if it is a complex sentence, put the dependent clause /between slashes/.  The dependent clause has a subordinating conjunction as part of the clause rather than being physically independent of either clause, as is the case with Coordinating Conjunctions.
     
    Finally, if the dependent clause in a complex sentence comes first in the sentence, add a comma after the dependent clause.  If the sentence is a compound sentence, be sure to add a comma after the first independent clause but before the Coordinating Conjunction.
     
    Examples:
    •   cx   /After the private company Space X was able to re-use its first rockets by landing them safely back on earth/, it was able to send a rocket to the International Space Station.
    •   c   Space X was able to re-use its first rockets by landing them safely back on earth, and it was also able to send a rocket to the International Space Station.

     

    1.             The Russians were the first to send a rocket into space in 1957 but the Americans were the first to land astronauts on the moon.
    2.             While the Americans were the first to send a dog into space the Russians sent the first person into space.
    3.             After the Americans launched the space shuttle, Columbia, into space in 1981 the Russians followed with their own shuttle, the Buran, in 1988.
    4.             The first module of the International Space Station was sent to space by the Russians and the United States sent the second module shortly after.
    5.             The space station was delivered as separate parts (modules) so they had to be assembled in space using astronauts and a robotic arm, the ‘Canadarm2’.
    6.             China sent its first human into space in 1988 and it landed its first probe on the moon in 2013.
    7.             China’s landed its first probe to the moon in 2013 before they landed a lunar rover (vehicle) on the far side of the moon in 2019.
    8.             Apollo 11 was successful in landing the first people on the moon yet just two missions later, Apollo 13 had to return without landing on the moon.
    9.             Because of the failure of an oxygen tank on Apollo 13 it had to return to earth without landing on the moon.
    10.             Mamoru Mohri was the first male Japanese astronaut in space and Mukai Chiaki was the first female Japanese astronaut.
    11.             When the first Canadian, Marc Garneau, went to space his two children just thought he was going to Disney World.
    12.             India’s first lunar rover explored the South Pole of the moon after China’s first lunar rover explored the far side of the moon.
    13.             While the first rover to land on Mars was the American ‘Sojourner’ no human has yet landed on Mars.
    14.             If the private company, Space X, is able to land people and build a colony on the moon in a joint program with NASA it hopes to send people to Mars someday.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1.  c  The Russians were the first to send a rocket into space in 1957, but the Americans were the first to land astronauts on the moon.
    2.  cx  /While the Americans were the first to send a dog into space/, the Russians sent the first person into space.
    3.  cx  /After the Americans launched the space shuttle, Columbia, into space in 1981/, the Russians followed with their own shuttle, the Buran in 1988.
    4.  c  The first module of the International Space Station was sent to space by the Russians, and the United States sent the second module shortly after.
    5.  c  The space station was delivered as separate parts, so they had to be assembled in space using astronauts and a robotic arm, the ‘Canadarm2’.
    6.  c  China sent its first human into space in 1988, and it landed its first probe on the moon in 2013.
    7.  cx  China’s landed its first probe to the moon in 2013 /before they landed a lunar rover on the far side of the moon in 2019/.
    8.  c  Apollo 11 was successful in landing the first people on the moon, yet just two missions later, Apollo 13 had to return without landing on the moon.
    9.  cx  /Because of the failure of an oxygen tank on Apollo 13/, it had to return to earth without landing on the moon.
    10.  c  Mamoru Mohri was the first male Japanese astronaut in space, and Mukai Chiaki was the first female Japanese astronaut.
    11.  cx  /When the first Canadian, Marc Garneau, went to space/, his twin children just thought that he was going to Disney World.
    12.  cx  India’s first lunar rover explored the South Pole of the moon /after China’s first lunar rover explored the far side of the moon/.
    13.  cx  /While the first rover to land on Mars was the American ‘Sojourner’/, no human has yet landed on Mars.
    14.  cx  /If the private company, Space X, is able to land people and build a colony on the moon in a joint program with NASA/, it hopes to send people to Mars someday.

     

  2. Join two clauses with the Subordinating Conjunction that follows the two clauses.  Add commas and appropriate conjunctions in the correct place to sentences with two clauses.  First, write them with the independent clause first in the sentence, and then write them with the dependent clause first in the sentence.
     
    Example:
    1. We will watch a movie.   We will eat dinner.  (after)
      • We will watch a movie after we eat dinner.
      • After we eat dinner, we will watch a movie.

     

    1. Yolanta is careful with her money.  Her husband is not.  (while)
    2. A violent earthquake caused a tsunami in Japan.  The Fukushima nuclear plant was damaged. (because)
    3. I take notes in class.  I always check them and complete them.   (after)
    4. You travel to a new city and don’t know where you are.  You can use GPS to find your location.  (if)
    5. Canada increased its immigration targets in July 2022.  Its population increased by over one million people by the next year.  (when)
    6. Bruce bought a new car.  He wouldn’t need to keep paying repair bills.  (so that)
    7. It didn’t rain all summer last year.   Many trees began to die.  (so)

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. While Yolanta is careful with her money, her husband is not.
      Her husband is not careful with money while Yolanta is.
    2. Because a violent earthquake caused a tsunami in Japan, the Fukushima nuclear plant was damaged.
      The Fukushima nuclear plant was damaged because a violent earthquake caused a tsunami in Japan.
    3. After I take notes in class, I always check them and complete them.
      I always check my them and complete them after I take notes in class.
    4. If you travel to a new city and don’t know where you are, you can use GPS to find your location.
      You can use GPS to find your location, if you travel to a new city and don’t know where you are.
    5. When Canada increased its immigration targets in July 2022, its population increased by over one million people by the next year.
      Canada’s population increased by over one million people in the next year when it increased its immigration targets in July 2022.
    6. Bruce bought a new car so (that) he wouldn’t need to keep paying repair bills.
      So (that) he wouldn’t need to keep paying repair bills, Bruce bought a new car.

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English Grammar for Academic Purposes Copyright © 2025 by Randal Thiessen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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