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Adverbial Clauses and Commas

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Adverbial Clauses and Commas

Read each sentence carefully. An adverbial clause gives information such as when, why or under what condition something happens. Add a comma after an adverbial clause when it comes before the main clause.

Spotting clauses and commas

1.Which sentence punctuates the opening adverbial clause correctly?

As the clouds gathered the hikers packed their bags.
As the clouds gathered, the hikers packed their bags.
The hikers packed their bags, as the clouds gathered.

2.Choose every sentence that needs a comma. Select all that apply.

Although the path was muddy, Erin kept walking.
Erin kept walking although the path was muddy.
When the lights went out everyone stayed still.
Everyone stayed still when the lights went out.

3.Which word could introduce an adverbial clause?

Because
Window
Swiftly

4.Rewrite this sentence with a comma in the correct place: After the rain stopped the team resumed its match.

5.Rewrite this sentence with a comma in the correct place: Since the shop was shut we bought our lunch elsewhere.

6.Rewrite this sentence with a comma in the correct place: The puppy wagged its tail while it waited by the gate.

Building complex sentences

7.Complete the sentence with a main clause after the comma: Although the wind was fierce, ...

8.Complete the sentence with a main clause after the comma: Before the final whistle blew, ...

9.Complete the sentence with a main clause after the comma: Because the map was torn, ...

10.Move the adverbial clause to the beginning and add the comma: Tomasz spotted a tiny door while he was exploring the cellar.

11.Move the adverbial clause to the beginning and add the comma: The birds flew away because a fox appeared.

12.Write a complex sentence about an unusual discovery. Begin with one of these clauses: “When the mist lifted”, “If you look beneath the bench”, or “Since the parcel arrived”. Add a main clause and punctuate it correctly.

Writing challenge

13.Write a short paragraph of four or five sentences about discovering a hidden room in an old building. Start at least three sentences with an adverbial clause, and place a comma after each opening clause.