UNDERSTANDING

STRUCTURE
MEETING 10
Chapter 18
Reduction of Adverb Clauses to Modifying
Adverbial Phrases
Expressing Cause and Effect in Modifying Adverbial
Phrases

▪ Often an –ing in the phrase in the beginning of a sentence gives the

meaning of “because”.
▪ Because she needed some money to buy a book, Sue cashed a check.
▪ Needing some money to buy a book, Sue cashed a check.

▪ Because he lacked the necessary qualifications, he was not considered for the job.
▪ Lacking the necessary qualifications, he was not considered for the job.
Having + past participle gives the meaning not only of
“because” but also of “before”
▪ Having seen the movie before, I don’t want to go again.
▪ Having seen the movie before, I didn’t want to go again.

▪ A form of be in the adverb clause may be changed to being. The use of being makes
the cause and effect relationship clear.
▪ Because she was unable to afford a car, she bought a bicycle.
▪ Being unable to afford a car, she bought a bicycle.
▪ Unable to afford a car, she bought a bicycle.
Using Upon+ -ing Modifying Adverbial Phrases
▪ Modifying adverbial phrases beginning with upon –ing usually have the
same meaning as adverb clauses introduced by when.
▪ Upon reaching the age of 21, I received my inheritance.
▪ When I reached the age of 21, I received my inheritance.
▪ Upon can be shortened to on.
▪ On reaching the age of 21, I received my inheritance
THANK YOU