Hello. I’m
waiting for participants.
This will be the second last week of the
tutorial for this year.
Next week will be the final week.
Check the blog for previous tutorials:
haleyshec.blogspot.com
Complex sentences- Adverb clauses
REVIEW OF SENTENCE STYLES
*SIMPLE – 1 main/independent clause –
a clause- a group of words that has a subject
and a verb
SV
SSV SVV SSVV
Imperative Interrogative
*COMPOUND
, SOBA ; ; TRANS,
2 main clauses/independent clauses joined
together
1.
, FANBOYS , SOBA
2.
; semicolon
3.
; TRANS,
Go back and check the blog for the notes from
earlier lectures. It’s all there. It is a resource for you to use.
*COMPLEX - 1 main clause and 1 subordinate
clause
- adverb clauses- this week
- adjective clauses- next week
- noun clauses- next week
COMPLEX SENTENCES= simple sentence + subordinate clause
main
clause + subordinate clause
COMPLEX SENTENCE- ADVERB CLAUSES
- because when if (most commonly used)
Two ways to make a sentence with an adverb
clause
because – give a reason
Jun is happy
today. Her son is visiting her.
Two main clauses. Two simple sentences.
Turn one of the main clauses into a
subordinate adverb clause.
1.
main clause + adverb clause
Jun is happy
today because her son
is visiting her.
NOTE: no comma
before because, small detail
2.
adverb clause, + main clause
Because Jun’s son
is visiting her, she is happy
today.
NOTE: use a comma
Either way is good. It is your choice.
GOOD GUIDELINE TO FOLLOW Comma or no comma.
The cat is sleeping because it is tired.
no comma
Because the cat is tired, it is sleeping. comma
** OLD-FASHIONED RULE- Don’t start your sentences with ‘because’.
It’s fine. I do. We can ignore this rule.
Because it’s snowy today, some people are a little late. OK, my opinion
Some people are a little late today because it’s snowy. Alternative
Either way is fine. It’s your choice.
MY ADVICE: Mix it up! The goal is to have a
nice mix of sentence styles.
Some people are a little late, because it’s
snowy. NOT THE BEST STYLE ,
ADVICE: Don’t put a comma before ‘because’.
You will see people do it, but it isn’t the best choice.
Stylistic choice, writing style
Comma usage is very personal- you will find
your own style with practice.
MY FREE ADVICE- Be consistent with your comma
usage.
COMMA ERROR
Some people are a little late today. Because it’s snowy. XXX
sentence fragment
I am going to school. Because I want to become
a doctor. XXX
Because I want to become a doctor. XXX
sentence fragment
FIXES
I am going to school because I want to become
a doctor. COMPLEX ADV CL
Because I want to become a doctor, I am going
to school. COMPLEX ADV CL
OTHER OPTIONS
I am going to school. I want to become a
doctor. SIMPLES
I want to become a doctor; therefore, I am
going to school. COMPOUND
I want to become a doctor, so I am going to
school. COMPOUND
MAIN THING ABOUT COMMAS:
The baby is crying because she is tired. NO COMMA
Because the baby is tired, she is crying. COMMA
Good style. Works everywhere- school, job,
writing
MAIN CLAUSE (SIMPLE SENTENCE)
ADVERB CLAUSE
MAIN CL + ADVERB CL = COMPLEX SENTENCE
Do it like that. Everything will be ok.
* when - time
1.
main clause + adverb clause
My dog gets
up when I get up. no comma
2.
adverb clause, + main clause
When I get up, my dog gets up. comma
Call your sister when you get home.
When you get home, call your sister.
IMPERATIVE Call your sister.
IMPERATIVE (command) Close the window if you
feel cold.
If you feel a chill, close the window.
SAME MEANING- your choice, try it both ways
When Harim got up this morning, she was
surprised to see snow on the ground.
Harim was surprised to see snow on the ground
when she got up this morning.
when – same time, pretty much the same time
after, before – not the same time
Harim was
surprised to see snow on the ground after she got up this morning.
Joan met Steve when she came to Vancouver.
Joan met Steve after she came to Vancouver.
We had to quarantine for 14 days when/after we
came to Canada.
I felt homesick after/when I moved to BC.
when – one time, once
whenever- everytime, happens many times
Whenever Butter has to pee, he rings a
bell on the door.
My neighbour’s dog escapes whenever they let
it out in the backyard.
Whenever it rains, I use an umbrella.
I use an umbrella whenever it rains.
I use an umbrella when it rains. OK
When she goes to China, she brings maple syrup
for her friends.
Whenever she goes to China, she brings maple
syrup for her friends.
SUBTLE DIFFERENCES IN MEANING, NUANCED
*if- maybe yes, maybe no, don’t know
1.
main clause + adverb clause
Maria should start saving her money if she wants to buy that expensive dress. no
comma
2.
adverb clause, + main clause
If Maria wants to buy that expensive dress, she should start saving her money. comma
If Maria wants to buy that expensive dress. She should start saving her money. sentence fragment, frag
FIXES
If Maria wants to buy that expensive dress, she
should start saving her money.
SENTENCE VARIETY
Maria wants to buy that expensive dress. She
should start saving her money. TWO SIMPLES
Maria wants to buy that expensive dress, so she
should start saving her money. COMPOUND
Maria wants to buy that expensive dress;
therefore, she should start saving her money. COMPOUND
Maria wants to buy that expensive dress;
because of that, she should start saving her money. COMPOUND
‘because’ many uses
because of that = therefore
Because Maria wants to buy that expensive
dress, she should start saving her money. COMPLEX- ADVERB CLAUSE
COMMON ERROR
Because Maria wants to buy that expensive
dress, so she should start saving her money. because so – don’t go together, choose one
FIX
Because Maria wants to buy that expensive
dress, she should start saving her money. COMPLEX
Maria wants to buy that expensive dress, so she
should start saving her money. COMPOUND
No capital letter after a ; Only one sentence
Capital letter after a period, exclamation
point, question mark.
She loves dogs. She wants to get one.
She loves dogs. Therefore, she wants to get
one.
She loves dogs; therefore, she wants to get
one.
She loves dogs, so she wants to get one.
SIMPLE
COMPOUND COMPLEX
Call me if you want to go for a hike.
If there is heavy snow, listen to the radio regarding school
cancellations.
Listen to the radio. imperative (simple sentence)
***
**
Model for adverb clauses:
Main clause adverb clause.
Adverb clause, main
clause.
**
***
**** YOUR CHOICE. You should be able to do it
both ways. GOAL! ****
* ‘if’ – past, present, future
My sister would play with her dolls if she was
bored.
Let’s grab some coffee if you are free now.
I will grab some milk on the way home.
IDIOM grab
but
I will call you if I need a lift to the
airport.
Let’s grab some lunch. – casual fast lunch
Grab your coat and hat. Let’s go.
EXAMPLES:
You should call your sister if you want a ride
from the airport.
If you want a ride from the airport, you
should call your sister.
You should call your sister, if you want a
ride from the airport. XXX punc
-small error, does not impede understanding,
still not right
IMPERATIVE: Call your sister.
Call your sister if you want to get a ride.
If you want to get a ride, call your sister.
COMPOUND
2 independent clauses put together
COMPLEX
1 independent clause and 1 dependent clause
put together
COMPOUND
We are going camping this weekend, so we have
to pack our gear.
COMPLEX
We have to pack our gear because we are going
camping this weekend.
Because we are going camping this weekend, we
have to pack our gear.
Same information- different sentence styles- compound
and complex
GOOD WORDS FOR ADVERB CLAUSES
* Adverbial conjunctions (adverb clause words)
Learning these will expand your ability to express your thoughts
more clearly and precisely in English.
** When you learn these 25, you will be a star in your English
class!
time- after,
before, since, ever since, until, when, whenever,
while
place- wherever
condition - if, even if, provided that, unless
manner- as,
as if, though, although, even though, so ... that
cause- because,
since
purpose- in
order that, in order to, so that
OTHERS: only if, if only
*after- time
The kids did their
homework after supper. prepositional
phrase SIMPLE
The kids did their
homework after SV supper. COMPLEX- ADVERB CL
The kids did their
homework after they finished/had/ate supper. no comma
After the kids finished supper, they did their homework. comma
This is an important
difference!
The kids did their
homework after supper. SIMPLE
The kids did their
homework after they finished supper. COMPLEX
After they finished supper,
the kids did their homework. COMPLEX
After the kids finished supper,
they did their homework. COMPLEX BETTER
After she called, … Who is she?
After Mary called, … BETTER
The kids finished supper,
and they did their homework. COMPOUND
Writing a variety of
sentence styles.
Choice!! Variety!!
Keeping your writing fresh
and interesting.
* before- Call me before you
leave. complex- adverb clause
Call me before 8pm. Simple
Let the puppy out before he pees on the floor. COMPLEX- ADV CL
Before the puppy pees on the floor, let her/it out. Does it sound good? Does it sound natural and
authentic? Grammar is ok, but it doesn’t sound authentic. It sounds it a little
unnatural and weird.
I don’t know how to teach
that. That’s your job to become more familiar with authentic English.
Authentic- real life, actual
usage, recognizable
Mei cooks authentic Xian
noodles.
·
since – two meanings: time,
reason, because
since-time
Mrs Mok has lived in Canada since
1998. SIMPLE
Mrs Mok has lived in Canada since
SV 1998. COMPLEX SV
Mrs Mok has lived in Canada since
she moved/arrived/came/immigrated
here from Vietnam in 1983. COMPLEX- ADV CL
* NOTE: simple past instead
past perfect
Past perfect is not commonly
used by native English speakers.
May has lived in Canada since
she had moved here from Vietnam in 1998.
May has lived in Canada since
she moved here from Vietnam in 1998.
-since – reason, same as
‘because’
Joe is a little frustrated
right now because the internet keeps dropping out.
Joe is a little frustrated
right now since the internet keeps dropping out.
Because the internet
keeps dropping out, Joe is a little frustrated
right now.
Since the internet keeps
dropping out, Joe is a little frustrated.
because/since – Your choice.
Mix it up! Variety is a strength in writing.
Don’t be like Barack Obama. –
same suit everyday
because of + noun/ noun
clause
SIMPLE
Joe is a little frustrated
right now because of the internet.
Joe is a little frustrated
right now because of problems with the internet.
Joe is a little frustrated
right now because of internet problems.
due to + noun
Joe is a little frustrated
right now due to the internet.
Joe is a little frustrated
right now due to the internet.
Joe is a little frustrated
right now due to problems with the internet.
Joe is a little frustrated
right now due to internet problems
I am a little frustrated
right now due to the internet dropping out.
because SV
because of NOUN
due to NOUN
according to + SOURCE OF INFORMATION
According to CNN, Trump may
run again in 2024.
I am very confusing person
to live with according to my wife.
You are a very difficult
person to be around because you are all over the place.
SIMPLE
‘dropping’- noun, gerund
*until – time (waiting)
I will wait until you finish.
Until you finish, I will wait. Don’t sound natural.
Sounds like poetry. Good for a poem or a song, or a love letter. Use your ear.
Does it sound good?
We were was waiting for you
until 10 pm. SIMPLE
I was waiting for you until
I fell asleep. COMPLEX- ADV CL
You were waiting until your
sister called you. COMPLEX
Srah will keep learning
English until she is fluent. COMPLEX
fluent(adj)- expert, authentic,
natural-sounding
Junko isn’t fluent in
English, but she can get by.
NOTE: until – good for
writing
- til – very casual, good
for talking not for school writing
Same as ‘because’ - for writing ‘cause’- very casual talking, not for
school writing
til- casual, for spoken, not
for writing
cause, cuz- casual, for
spoken, not for writing, no good for school
gonna XXX
going to
until and because – good for
school wriitng, business writing, important writing
·
when/while
when – one time occurrence,
individual occurrence
while – two actions happening
at the same time
occurrence(n) occur(v)-
happening, happen
You were working while your
family was sleeping.
While you are in school,
your kids are in daycare.
Students were using their
cell phones while the teacher was teaching.
STRANGE Maria was washing
the dishes while the phone rang.
phone rang *
washing _______________________________
Maria was washing the dishes
while the phone was ringing. UNLIKELY
Sarah was washing the dishes
when the phone rang. MORE LIKELY
one moment in time
while –
Sarah was washing the dishes
while Joe was watching TV.
Maria was washing the dishes
while her husband was sweeping the floor. MORE LIKELY OCCURRENCE
sweeping
*******************************************
washing ___________________________________________
I can’t talk to you while I
am driving. I will call you back when I park my car.
My daughter was reading
while I was playing guitar.
*while – comparison, show
difference
I get up early while you get
up late.
Mei is very short while
Doris is very tall.
Vancouver is cold and rainy
while Mexico City is hot and dry. COMPLEX ADV CL
Vancouver is cold and rainy,
but Mexico City is hot and dry. COMPOUND
Vancouver is cold and rainy;
however, Mexico City is hot and dry.
COMPOUND
Her daughter loves school
while her son is really not into it.
‘into it’ ‘into something’ –
enjoy it, your thing, your hobby, your passion
Nasrin is really into outdoor
activities.
I’m not into it. It’s not my
thing.
TRUE FACT: It is difficult
to differentiate between these right now. That will come with practice. It will
take some time and practice.
PRO TIP
‘while’ fits well with
continuous/progressive tenses ‘ing’
Her dog stares at her while
she is eating supper.
Her sister scrolls through
her phone while she is watching Netflix.
She found a scroll in a
bottle floating in the ocean. It was a message in a bottle.
***while + progressive
tense Go together really well.
She likes to listen to music
while she is driving.
NEW IDIOM ‘doom scrolling’-
scrolling on your phone for a long time out of boredom, wasting time
Julie winds up doom
scrolling before she falls asleep every night.
doom scrolling – surfing the
internet, usually on your phone, without direction
IDIOM wind up- the end
result, didn’t plan it
Jun lived in many countries
but wound up in Canada.
Alex wanted to be a writer,
but he wound up teaching English.
stroll(v) – walk casually,
slowly, without direction
stroller- baby carriage
He sings while he is
driving. COMPLEX
He sings while driving.
SIMPLE driving- gerund
I read while listening to
music.
I read while I listen to
music.
What’s the main activity?
I listen to music while I am
reading. Reading
I drive while I am listening
to the news.
I listen to the news while
I’m driving. ‘driving’ is the main activity
I am listening to the
news while I’m diriving- present progressive- right now
I listen to the news
while I’m diriving- simple present- usually, habit
The music is beautiful while
sad. sounds like grammar book
The music is beautiful but
sad. sounds more authentic SIMPLE
The music is beautiful, but
it is sad. COMPOUND
* since/ever since
since – time
ever since – feels like a
long time
Marie has been waiting for
the bus since 11:40. (less than five minutes) SIMPLE
Marie has been waiting for
the bus ever since 11:00. (more than 40 minutes) SIMPLE
ever since – feels like a
long time, your emotion, your feeling
I’ve been trying to get a
job ever since October.
I’ve been trying to get a
job since October.
Mui has been living in
Vancouver since she came to Canada. COMPLEX
Mui has been living in
Vancouver ever since she came to Canada in 1975. COMPLEX -adverb clause
SUBTLE DIFFERENCES- They
help us to express our thoughts precisely.
We have been friends since
we were nine years old. OK
We have been BFFs ever since
we were nine years old. BETTER
BFF – best friends forever,
IDIOM
We will be BFFs even when we
are old and grey.
Maria has lived in Canada ever
since 1990. simple
Maria has lived in Canada ever
since she moved from Indonesia in 1990. complex- adverb clause
Maria has lived in Canada since
2018. SIMPLE SENTENCE
Maria has lived in Canada ever
since 1978. long time SIMPLE SENTENCE
Maria has lived in Canada since
she moved from Japan in 2018. COMPLEX SENTENCE adverb clause
Maria has lived in Canada ever
since she moved from Japan in 1988. long time
We have been in class since
8:30. doesn’t feel like a long time
We have been waiting for the
bus ever since 8:30. feels like a long time
since/ ever since – depends
on your feeling, express your underlying emotion about a situation
MODELS using ‘since’ in
simple sentences:
‘since’ implies a span of
time, usually past until now
I came to Canada since 2019.
SIMPLE XXX prep
I came to Canada in
2019. SIMPLE
I have lived in
Canada since 2019. SIMPLE present perfect
* present perfect – verb
tense, a span of time from the past until the present
GOOD MATCH: ‘since’ and present
perfect tense
Luis has worked at
the dealership since 2018. present perfect
Luis has been working
at the dealership since 2018. present perfect continuous
present perfect and present
perfect continuous – very similar, pretty much interchangeable
has worked present perfect – from the past until now
has been working present perfect continuous- from the past until now, suggests
continuation into the future
I have been in Canada for
two years. SIMPLE SENTENCE
I have been living in Canada
for two years. SIMPLE SENTENCE
subtlety of verb tense
‘simple’ two uses: simple
verb tense, simple sentence (style)
I lived in Canada since
2019. Not the best verb choice. simple past
I have lived in Canada since
2019.
I have been living in Canada
since 2019.
I have lived in Canada since
April, 2019.
I have lived in Canada since
April 24th, 2019.
*whenever -every time,
happens over and over
Whenever her dog is left
alone, he tips over the garbage and makes a mess.
Her dog tips over the
garbage and makes a mess whenever he is left alone.
Emiko feels homesick whenever
she looks at her photo album of family pictures.
Whenever Emiko looks at
her photo album of family pictures, she feels
homesick.
Whenever he drinks water, he
spills it all over himself like a kid.
Sarah will go to the party if she is free.
We will go to the park if it is sunny.
If it is sunny, we will go to the park.
*even if – opposite of ‘if’
Sarah will not go to the party even if she is free.
We will go to the park even if it is not sunny.
‘if’
A clause B clause
Sarah will go to the party if she is free.
B affects A, A depends on B
‘even if’
A
B
Sarah will not go to the party even if she is free.
B does not affect A, A does not depend
on B
Jun will not buy a new phone even if it is on sale.
Jun will buy a new phone if it is on sale.
I will buy a new phone if I can afford it. Will I buy a new phone?
YES/NO
I will not buy a new phone even if I can afford it. Will I buy a new
phone? NO
I will not allow my son to stay out until midnight even if the other
kids are allowed.
I will allow my son to stay out until midnight if there is a parent
with them.
if / even if
* even though – the situation is true, not conditional
* even if – maybe YES, maybe NO, conditional
Sheila will not go to the party even though she was invited.
Was she invited? YES
Sheila will not go to the party even if she is invited. Was
she invited? Uncertain. YES/NO
Michele will go kayaking even if it is raining. Is it raining? Not
sure.
Michele will go kayaking even though it is raining. Is it raining?
Yes.
Junko will not buy a new iphone13 even though it is on sale.
A good way to change the subject:
Anyway…
Anyhow…
*provided that – ‘if’ for important things
Let’s grab some coffee if you’re free. – not important
You can change your career provided that you have made a good
plan.
- makes it sound important
You can go to UBC if/provided that you have the
prereqs. (prerequisite courses)
provided that – makes it sound important, signaling to your reader
that this is significant to you
I allow my son to stay out until midnight provided that there is an
adult there to keep an eye on things.
You can go to the party provided that you make good decisions.
You can choose when to use it.
going to the beach?
getting married?
immigrating to a new country?
getting some ice cream?
We can continue to be friends provided that you be honest with me.
grab some coffee- (casual) have some coffee
*unless – changes the situation, opposite of ‘if’ ‘provided that’
Let’s grab some coffee if you’re free.
Let’s grab some coffee unless you’re busy.
free/busy -opposites
Sarah will go to the beach if it is nice on Saturday.
Sarah will go to the beach unless it is rainy on Saturday.
You can not pass the exam unless you work hard.
You can pass the exam if you work hard.
if / unless – opposite, negative, positive
Instead of using ‘if’ all the time, try ‘unless’ instead.
Let’s take a raincheck on coffee if you are busy. (idiom)
IDIOM take a raincheck – we will do it later, postpone
An item is on sale, but there are none left. “Can I have a
raincheck, please?” “I’d like a raincheck, please.”
Let’s go for a hike this Saturday.
Oh, I can’t. Can I take a raincheck?
“No rainchecks.”
Do you want to go for a walk today?
I have a doctor’s appointment. Can I take a raincheck?
Doctor’s assistant: Can you come next Wednesday at 3?
You: I have to take a raincheck. I’m busy. I’m already
booked. How about Thursday at 2?
IDIOM Let’s pencil it in. I will pencil it in. – unconfirmed
appointment
You make an appointment with someone to go for lunch next Tuesday.
You are not 100% sure if you can make it. “Let’s pencil it in. I might get
called into work.”
RSVP- wedding invitations- French ‘repondez s’il-vous-plait’
‘if you please’ “Please let me know.”
* though (a bit more casual), although, even though – same meaning
Dave is playing with his kids even though/ although / though he has
a lot of work to do.
I like the weather even though/ although/ though it is very hot.
MY OPINION: I don’t use ‘though’ for school writing. I use it for
casual writing or talking.
TWO DIFFERENT WAYS
Ken likes the weather although it is very hot.
Although it is very hot, Ken likes the weather.
The ice cream is delicious even though it gives me brain freeze.
IDIOM an ice cream headache, brain freeze
SOLUTION: push your thumb up into your hard palate, the roof of your
mouth
soft palate
palace
palate
pallet- square wooden base for loading things, can be lifted with a
forklift
tines
* so ... that
so ADJ that
Junko is so tall and thin that she has trouble buying pants.
Yesterday was so hot that Mike sat inside of his
refrigerator.
The kitten is so small that you can hold it in the palm of
your hand.
Sarah is so tired that she is nodding off in the meeting.
IDIOM nodding off- falling asleep
The little kid was so scared of the dark that he couldn’t get
to sleep.
The Math is so hard that I have to study three hours a day to
stay on top of it.
IDIOM stay on top of – manage something important
Mr. Smith has to stay on top of his high blood pressure.
Butter is so quiet today that you didn’t even know he was
there.
SAME MEANING- DIFFERENT STYLE ‘so…that’ alternative to ‘because’
Jun is so tall that she has trouble buying pants.
Because Jun is so tall, she has trouble buying pants.
Sarah is so tired that she is nodding off in the meeting.
Because Sarah is so tired, she is nodding off in the meeting.
PRO LEVEL
‘, so’ and ‘so ... that’ are
not the same thing.
, so COMPOUND
so... that COMPLEX
* so that
so…that so that – different
so that
Maria is saving money so that she can buy a new car.
SOURCE OF CONFUSION: ,
so so…that so that
Maria is saving money, so she can buy a new car. XXX
Maria wants to buy a new car, so she is saving money.
so that & , so
- different usage
Review and practice. Take time to figure it all out. There is a lot
here.
These terms and words can change the way you express yourself in
English. They can really help you express your thoughts and ideas precisely and
clearly.
These are very powerful terms; you can learn to use them.
This is real authentic English that we use all day, every day.
These terms will help you take the next step in your English writing
and speaking.
SIDE NOTE: I have a small editing business on the side. I edit
papers for UBC and SFU students, mostly nursing students who are getting their
masters degrees. When I edit a paper for a university, I use SIMPLE, COMPOUND
and COMPLEX sentences.
The stuff we are learning here will get you through school, work,
personal or business communication.
Focus on these most useful ones- high frequency terms:
after/before
because
since
ever since
until
when/while
if
even if
unless
though/although/even though
so ... that
so that
If you get those, you’ll be on fire.
Review and practice!
IDIOM
–‘on fire’ doing really well, playing really well.
**Source
of confusion- difference between compound and complex sentences, specifically
transitional terms and adverbial conjunctions (adverb clause words)
* Compound sentence – transitional term
It snowed last night; therefore, the roads were slick this
morning.
* Complex sentence – adverbial conjunction (adverb clause words)
The roads were slick this morning because it snowed last
night.
These
are different kinds of sentences. They may look similar, but they are not.
Definitely you will get them confused sometimes.
Very
simple advice to you and to me:
If you want to learn piano, play piano a little bit every day. In a
year, you’ll be good.
If you want to learn piano to write sentence styles in
English, play
piano practice the sentence styles a
little bit every day. In a year, you’ll be good.
When
your English is getting better, you will feel great! However, you have to do
the work.
If
you learn these, you will be able to express 99.9% of your ideas.
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