Unit 15 & 16

Units 15 & 16!

Vampire Dairies

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English 4

Problem-Solution

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Where you can find interesting informaton about problem and solution grammar. As well as common vocabulary to describe problems and indicate solutions

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Reducing Adverb Clauses to Phrases

You can reduce adverb clauses to adverb phrases. The adverb phrase modifies the subject of the main clause. Adverb phrases can describe problems and solutions.

When two parts of a sentence have the same subject, you can shorten the adverb clause by deleting the subject and turning the verb into -ing. If the verb in the adverb clause uses was/ were + the -ing, remove the subject and was/were If the adverb clause uses simple tense, remove the subject and turn the verb into -ing. If the adverb clause uses have or had + past participle, remove the subject and replace have/had with having.

Adverb clauses of purpose and infinitives of purpose

Express the purpose, or reason, for an action or idea. They usually follow the main clause and are often used in problem-solution writing to explain the reasons for a proposed solution. Stefan stayed away from Elena so that he would not hurt her. Damon made a deal with the enemy in order to save his bother.

It constructions

It constructions are commonly used in academic writing to make the text more impersonal and objective. In problem-solving writing, it constructions are often used when a solution to a problem is being proposed and evaluated.

• Use “it” as a dummy subject (it doesn’t refer to anything). Follow it with a form of “be” and an adjective, plus a that-clause or an infinitive to state an opinion or evaluation.

You can add for + noun phrase to specify who the idea applies to. It is clear that Damon and Bonnie must rely on each other to survive in the 1994 world.

• Use “it appears” or “it seems” to show that something looks true, but you’re not completely sure.

Writers use these to sound more neutral or cautious. It appears that Bonnie’s powers are weakening because of isolation.

• Adding modals like may, might, or could makes your statements softer or more tentative. This helps when you want to express a possibility rather than a certainty.

It may be true that Damon hides his emotions with humor.

• Is a dependent clause that answers the question why?

Stefan tried to stay calm so that he would not lose control of his bloodlust during the dance.

• So that is the most common way to introduce clauses of purpose.

Damon stepped in to dance with Elena so that people would not notice stefna's sudden disappearance.

• Sometimes is reduced to so.

The event organizers played cheerful music so the audience could relax and enjoy the pegeant.

Adverb clauses of prupose

Infinitives of prupose

• Use in order or so as with an infinitive when the subject of the main clause and the adverb clause are the same.

Elena wore her mother's dress in order to honor her memory.

• In negative form, the not comes before the infinitive.

Bonnie avoided eye contact with Damon so as not to reveal her anger.

• When an infinitive is followed by an infinitive of purpose, you should use in order to or so as to for clarity

Damon stayed close to Elena in order to keep her safe from stefan.

Using adjectives in it constructions

Choose adjectives to express different meanings — certainty, importance, possibility, difficulty, or emotion — using it constructions to make writing sound more formal and objective. For example: Informal: Everyone knows that Damon still loves Elena. Formal (It construction): It is clear that Damon still loves Elena. This makes your writing sound more objective.

Using it constructions

You can replace who says or thinks something with “it is…” to make the writing sound more formal and academic.

For example: Informal: Bonnie believes she can restore her powers. Formal (It construction): It is possible that Bonnie can restore her powers.