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English Language Resource Center, C-212
Free tutoring in writing, speaking, reading & grammar
for BCC students who speak English as a second language
Combining Sentences: Adverb Clauses
Directions: In the text-area below each group of sentences, combine the sentences given into one
good sentence by using the word given in parentheses. Remember to use correct punctuation.
When you are finished, you can check page 3 to see the answers. Try to write your own sentence
before you see the answers.
1. (when)
I will buy a new car.
I will get my end of the year bonus.
2. (because)
John got a flat tire.
John was late for work.
3. (even though)
Maria and Julia went to the beach.
It was cloudy.
4. (while)
Elizabeth was writing a note to her friend.
The train arrived.
5. (if)
There is a sale.
I will buy two pairs of shoes instead of one.
6. (now that)
Robert can take his normal route to work again.
The overpass has been repaired.
7. (until)
We won’t be able to get soda.
The machine will be repaired.
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English Language Resource Center, C-212
Free tutoring in writing, speaking, reading & grammar
for BCC students who speak English as a second language
8. (whenever)
It rains.
I forget my umbrella.
9. (unless)
Hannah will get here soon.
The meeting will be cancelled.
10. (by the time)
Tina finished practicing her scales.
Her sister finished making dinner.
11. (before)
Diana bought a new computer.
Diana asked her friends for advice and looked at many different kinds of computers.
12. Tim went to Great Adventure.
(the first time)
Tim was too scared to go on any roller coasters.
13. (the next time)
I will buy some yogurt.
I will go to the store.
14.(since)
Jennifer started taking piano lessons.
Jennifer has been very busy.
15. (as soon as)
Barbara will finish her home repair course.
Barbara will fix the tiles in her bathroom.
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English Language Resource Center, C-212
Free tutoring in writing, speaking, reading & grammar
for BCC students who speak English as a second language
Answer Key
1. When I get my end of the year bonus, I will buy a new car. (or) I will buy a new car when I get my
end of the year bonus.
2. Because John got a flat tire, he was late for work. (or) John was late for work because he got a
flat tire.
3. Even though it was cloudy, Maria and Julia went to the beach. (or) Maria and Julia went to the
beach even though it was cloudy.
4. While Elizabeth was writing a note to her friend, the train arrived. (or) The train arrived while
Elizabeth was writing a note to her friend.
5. If there is a sale, I will buy two pairs of shoes instead of one. (or) I will buy two pairs of shoes
instead of one if there is a sale.
6. Now that the overpass has been repaired, Robert can take his normal route to work again. (or)
Robert can take his normal route to work again now that the overpass has been repaired.
7. Until the machine is repaired, we won’t be able to get soda. (or) We won’t be able to get soda
until the machine is repaired.
8. Whenever I forget my umbrella, it rains. (or) It rains whenever I forget my umbrella.
9. Unless Hannah gets here soon, the meeting will be cancelled. (or) The meeting will be cancelled
unless Hannah gets here soon.
10. By the time Tina finished practicing her scales, her sister had finished making dinner. (or) Tina’s
sister had finished making dinner by the time Tina finished practicing her scales.
11. Before Diana bought a new computer, she [had] asked her friends for advice and looked at many
different kinds of computers. (or) Diana [had] asked her friends for advice and looked at many
different kinds of computers before she bought one.
12. The first time Tim went to Great Adventure, he was too scared to go on any roller coasters. (or)
Tim was too scared to go on any roller coasters the first time he went to Great Adventure.
13. The next time I go to the store, I will buy some yogurt. (or) I will buy some yogurt the next time I
go to the store.
14. Since Jennifer started taking piano lessons, she has been very busy. (or) Jennifer has been very
busy since she started taking piano lessons.
15. As soon as Barbara finishes her home repair course, she will fix the tiles in her bathroom. (or )
Barbara will fix the tiles in her bathroom as soon as she finishes her home repair course.
Written by the tutors and staff of the English Language Resource Center at Bergen Community College,
NJ