EXERCISES

I. ADVERBIAL CLAUSES OF TIME

Underline the correct conjunction to complete the adverbial clauses in the sentences.

1. (As, When, While) we were younger our parents had to pay for our music lessons.
2. (As, When, While) I carefully packed all the old books into boxes, Emily wrote down their titles in a
notebook.
3. The humidity started to increase (as, while, when) the day wore on.
4. Professor Wichmann continued to work at London University (before, until) he retired in 1978.
5. He married Martha (before, until) he moved to England in 1935.

II. ADVERBIAL CLAUSES OF REASON

Use Because or Because of to complete the following sentences.
1. ____________________ the heavy rains, the classes are automatically suspended.
2. ____________________ the guest lecturer was late, Dr. Jones spoke about his research instead.
3. ____________________ an internal bleeding, Johnny underwent a surgical operation.
4. I had to revise my research proposal ____________________ the committee issued a new format.
5. Roseline had to quit on her volleyball career _____________________ of a leg injury.

III. ADVERBIAL CLAUSES OF PURPOSES AND RESULTS

Combine the two sentences in the most appropriate way using in order (not) + to-infinitive or so as
(not) + to infinitive
Example: 1. I had to borrow money from the bank in order to set up the business.

1. I had to borrow money from the bank a. I did this to set up the business.
2. Bus fares in the city are being cut b. She wanted to avoid his gaze.
3. We crept quietly towards the deer c. We wanted to prevent people walking across
4. We put up a fence the grass
5. She looked down at the book in front d. This was done to encourage the people to use
public transport
e. We didn’t want to frighten them away.
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IV. ADVERBIAL CLAUSES OF CONCESSION

Underline the correct phrase.
1. The driver stopped to let on more passengers (even though, even if) the bus is already full.
2. I wouldn’t tell you where Gail lives (even though, even if) I knew.
3. He plays for Wales (even though, even if) he was born in Scotland.
4. (Even though, Even if) I’m quite old, I still miss my parents.
5. You won’t see all the animals in the zoo (even though, even if) you stay for the whole day.

V. CONDITIONALS
 A. Choose from the verbs to complete the sentences using each verb only once. If possible, use the
pattern were+ to infinitive. If it is not possible, use the past simple form of the verb.
belong close doubt hold switch understand

1. If they were to hold an election now, the Democrats would undoubtedly win.
2. If I ______________________ his honesty, I wouldn’t employ him.
3. If all cars _____________________________ to liquefied petroleum gas, air pollution levels would fall dramatically.
4. I’d sell the house immediately if it ___________________ to me.
5. If I __________________________ Chinese, I’d do the translation myself.
6. There would be no cinema in town if the Odeon __________________________.

B. Complete the sentences with either as if or even if followed by an appropriate pronoun and then
were.
1. Muller spoke slowly as if it were a great physical effort.
2. Every day, Mrs. Green would walk around the park _______________________________ snowing.
3. She knew she wouldn’t be able to eat rabbit meat ____________________________________ starving.
4. Jamie completely ignored me ______________________________________ not standing next to him.
5. He picked Natasha up ________________________________________ no heavier than a two year old.

C. Write whether or if/whether (if both are possible) in these sentences.

1. I was wondering __________________________________ you’d had your exam results yet.
2. She was undecided as to _______________________________ to fly or go by train.
3. Police have refused to confirm ________________________ or not they have arrested anyone following the
robbery.
4. It is unclear ____________________________________ the new regulations will affect all buildings or just new ones.
5. Have you any idea ________________________________ Ken will be at the meeting?

VI. CONNECTING IDEAS BETWEEN SENTENCES

Underline the correct alternative.
1. Your essay is badly organized and full of spelling mistakes. Though, Nevertheless, it contains some very
interesting ideas.
2. I felt guilty about leaving the company even so, even though I knew I had made the right decision.
3. I had expected my mother to be happy with the news. Instead, Although tears came to her eyes and she
started to cry.
4. I turns the ignition, but the car refused to start. As, Meanwhile the lions were getting ever closer.
5. Previously, Before I went to Australia, I’d never seen a koala.