2. Finite Adverbial Clauses of Reason
WHY an action is/was done
Subordinate clause Main clause
Reason Result
Subordinators:
Because that
As Since
seeing that now that
on the ground that
for the reason that etc.
3. The subordinator BECAUSE
- The main and the most common subordinator
- The order of clauses – free
E.g. Tim didn’t go to school because he was ill.
Because he was ill Tim didn’t go to school.
4. The subordinator AS
- Puts more emphasis on the result expressed in
the main clause than the reason expressed in
the subordinate clause
E.g. I will take a taxi as I don’t know the way.
5. The subordinator SINCE
- Puts more emphasis on the result expressed in
the main clause than the reason expressed in
the subordinate clause
E.g. Since I don’t know the Becks well, I’ve
decided not to go their party.
6. The subordinator THAT
- The main clause used with an adverbial clause of
reason introduced by the subordinator that is
usually a rhetorical question:
E.g. Are you a fool that you ask such a question?
7. The phrasal subordinator SEEING THAT
Seeing that can introduce an adverbial clause of
reason:
E.g. Seeing that the weather has improved, the
game will be held as planned.
8. The phrasal subordinator FOR THE
REASON THAT
- For the reason that is another phrasal
subordinator of adverbial clauses of reason:
E.g. He did not come to class for the reason that
he was ill.
9. The subordinator IN THAT
- In that is used in colloquial style and rarely:
E.g. You are like him in that you like travelling.
10. Non-finite Adverbial Clauses of
Reason
- Can be:
Infinitive Clauses
E.g. I am glad to see you.
Gerundial Clauses
E.g. Owing to my slow running, I couldn’t take
part in the race.
Participial Clauses
E.g. Exhausted by the hard work, he needed a
weak off.
11. Adverbial Clauses of Purpose
- Indicate the purpose of the action
What for and for what purpose
E.g. David went out to buy a carton of juice.
12. Non-finite Clauses of Purpose
More often infinitival than finite
E.g. To open the carton, pull this tab.
13. The subordinator in order to
More formal
E.g. They left the door open in order to hear the
baby.
14. The subordinator so as to
More explicit subordinator
E.g. Students should take notes so as to make
revision easier.
15. Finite Clauses of Purpose
Introduced by so and in order that,
E.g. The school closes earlier so that children can
get home before dark.
E.g. We will send you a reminder in order that you
arrive on time for your appointment.
16. Negative Purpose
Infinitive clauses
so as not to and in order not to
E.g. Turn the volume down so as not to wake the
baby.
E.g. I ignored the remark in order not to prolong
the dispute.
17. Negative Purpose
Finite clauses
In case, for fear (that), and lest
E.g. They evacuated the building in case the wall
collapsed.
E.g. They left early for fear that they would meet him.
E.g. I was afraid to open the door lest he should follow
me.
