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ADVERB CLAUSES 1

level: Intermediate (B1/B2)
An adverb clause is introduced by a single word or short phrase called a subordinating conjunction, words like because, since, although, and before. Each of these signals something different: reason, time, contrast, or condition. This exercise focuses on choosing the one that actually matches the logic of the sentence.
Grammar review Every subordinating conjunction here does a specific job, and two conjunctions that seem similar can point to very different meanings.

Reason: because, since
She stayed home because she wasn't feeling well.

Time: before, after, since (meaning "from that point until now")
He called his mother after he landed at the airport.

Contrast: although
Although she practiced every day, she still felt nervous.

Purpose: so that
He spoke slowly so that everyone could understand him.

Condition: if
If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.

Watch out for: since can mean either "because" (reason) or "from a point in time until now," so you have to check which meaning actually fits the sentence. Because and so that are also easy to mix up: because gives the reason something happened, while so that gives the purpose or goal.
✓ Useful for TOEFL ✓ Useful for Cambridge B2/C1



Choose the correct subordinating conjunction to complete each sentence.

1. __________________ Mary always did well on her Spanish tests, his brother wasn't surprised that she got an A.
2. Tell your sister to keep the orange juice in the refrigerator, __________________ it doesn't go bad.
3. __________________ he thinks he knows why this happened, he doesn't.
4. Tim said goodbye to his grandparents ________________ he moved to New York.
5. ________________ my grandmother has diabetes, she has to watch what she eats.
6. ________________ I moved to Dallas, I had never met a cowboy!
7. She told me ________________ she got back from the store.
8. He couldn't respond ________________ he doesn't speak English very well.
9. We walked slowly ________________ my parents could keep up with us.
10. ________________ you stop complaining, you'll feel a lot better.
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KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
Reduced adverb clauses 1 (I/A)
Noun clause or adverb clause? 1 (A)
Subordinating conjunctions 1 (A)
Adjective clauses 1 (I)
Noun clauses 1 (I)


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