Adverbial Conjunctions 

since  
because  
while  
though  
although  
as  
as though  
even  
even though 
if  
as if  
even if  
once  
until  
unless  
before  
after  
when  
whenever 

 

Pattern 1:  Opening Dependent Adverbial Clauses

Pattern 2 |  Pattern 3 | Pattern 4 | Pattern 5 |  Pattern 6 | Pattern 7 | Pattern 8
 
  Pattern 1 RULE:  Always use a comma to set off a dependent clause when it introduces an independent clause.
After I purchased the soda for the party, I decided to buy some chips and dip for the gang.
Dependent Independent Clause
   

Pattern 1 Samples:

Because I was going to be late to work, I stopped to make a call to the office. 

While I had always been proud of myself for typing my own assignments, I was delighted to have the new secretary type them. 

Although I had pre-registered for the workshop, I was not on the official print-out of participants. 
 
 

     
Check Your Comprehension  
Identify the Dependent Clause 

  

1.  Even though I had spent two hours working, I found that I needed even more time.
.

  

2.  Before I bought another mystery, I knew that I should finish the three stacked beside my bed.
.

  

3.  As I thought about the situation, I knew that I would have to write another letter to the company.
.

  
  

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mcs © spring 2002