The English Language english language

Multi-Clause Sentences

Cause clauses

(46) a. Because he hoped to elude his pursuers, Fred continued his trek.
b. Because/since/as funding is scarce, research is hampered.

Purpose clauses

(47) a. We packed food for 6 meals so (that) we could stay out overnight.

b. In order that we could do well, we formed study groups.

Result clauses

(48) a. She was so stunned that she could not speak.
b. The shooting star moved so quickly that I almost missed it.

Conditional clauses
Conditionals are particularly important for ESL students, and are included in
all ESL textbooks. The subordinate clause (typically introduced by if or when)
describes a condition that must be met if the situation in the main clause is to
occur. Discussions of conditionals usually divide them into two major types,
the hypothetical and the real.
The subordinate clause of a hypothetical conditional represents a situation
that either cannot or is unlikely to be met (49a), while real conditions can be
met (49b):

(49) a. If I were eight feet tall, (then) my dunk shot would be better.
b. If I practice more, my swing will improve.

Reduced adverbial clauses
Like relative clauses, some adverbial clauses may also be reduced by deleting
a form of be and a pronominal subject that is coreferential with an NP in the
higher clause, but leaving its SAC. (50a) illustrates a full finite adverbial and
(50b) its reduction.

(50) a. While she was living in Africa, Sheila learned Swahili.
b. While living in Africa, Sheila learned Swahili.

Exercise

1. Make a list of 10 common subordinating conjunctions, for example,