In each exercise, reduce adverb clauses. In few cases where reduction leads to an awkward sentence, don’t reduce.
In the first exercise, reductions will result in present (-ing) or past (-ed) participial phrase, but in second reductions will also result in verbless clause. (Unlike participial phrase, verbless clause doesn’t have verb.) Here is a sample question answered for you:
Q. When the steak is cooked properly, it tastes incredible.
A. When cooked properly, the steak tastes incredible.
If you’ve any confusion on how adverb clauses are reduced, you may go through the post on how to reduce adverb clauses?
Exercise 1
1. If you take care of important things in your life, you’ll lead a happy life.
2. After the police was hauled up by the court, they investigated the case seriously.
3. Although I was driving at only 40 kph, I met with an accident.
4. Since I started taking afternoon nap, my productivity in the evening has gone up by few notches.
5. Since I’ve received the award, I’m on seventh heaven.
6. They installed solar panels, so that they could reduce their electricity bills.
7. They installed solar panels, so that they reduced their electricity bills.
8. If the glass is handled carefully, it won’t break.
9. Unless the issue is addressed promptly, it could escalate further.
10. Because they understood the risks, they proceeded with caution.
1. The adverb clause can’t be reduced through standard methods as it’s not an adverb clause of time, reason, or concession.
2. After being hauled up by the court, the police investigated the case seriously. [The adverb clause is in passive voice. Refer the relevant section in the post.]
3. Although driving at only 40 kph, I met with an accident.
4. It can’t be reduced because the adverb clause and the independent clause don’t have the same subject.
5. Since receiving the award, I’m on seventh heaven.
6. On the first glance, it seems adverb clause can be reduced: They installed solar panels, reducing their electricity bills. But this sentence means that electricity bills have been reduced. The original sentence, however, expresses the possibility of reducing electricity bills. Hence, it’s best not to reduce the adverb clause.
7. They installed solar panels, reducing their electricity bills.
(If you thought that this and the last sentence are same, check again.)
Unlike the last adverb clause, this can be reduced because meaning doesn’t change. The earlier was adverb clause of purpose; this one is adverb clause of result.
8. If handled carefully, the glass won’t break.
9. Unless addressed promptly, the issue could escalate further.
10. Understanding the risks, they proceeded with caution.
Exercise 2
1. She looked through the window as if she was searching for someone.
2. Even though he didn’t feel particularly energetic, he managed to complete the marathon.
3. Since she was eager for a fresh start, she began planning her new career path.
4. Even though he was unsure of the answer, he raised his hand to participate in the discussion.
5. Whether he was praised for his efforts or criticized for his mistakes, he remained calm and composed.
6. Because she was excited about the new project, she stayed late to get a head start on the work.
7. If you don’t read the instructions carefully, assembling the furniture correctly becomes difficult.
8. Since they were happy with the results, they decided to celebrate.
9. Because he was worried about the outcome, he prepared for every possible scenario.
10. Whether she is in the office or at home, she maintains a strict work schedule.
1. She looked through the window as if searching for someone.
2. Even though not feeling particularly energetic, he managed to complete the marathon.
3. Eager for a fresh start, she began planning her new career path. [Verbless clause]
4. Even though unsure of the answer, he raised his hand to participate in the discussion. [Verbless clause]
5. Whether praised for his efforts or criticized for his mistakes, he remained calm and composed.
You may drop the subordinator whether.
6. Excited about the new project, she stayed late to get a head start on the work. [Verbless clause]
7. Without reading the instructions carefully, assembling the furniture correctly becomes difficult.
8. Happy with the results, they decided to celebrate. [Verbless clause]
9. Worried about the outcome, he prepared for every possible scenario.
10. Whether in the office or at home, she maintains a strict work schedule. [Verbless clause]
