CLAUSES OF PURPOSE, CONTRAST AND REASON

 As you remember, in simple terms, a clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb, or a verb and a predicate, and comes next to another main sentence. That is, a clause makes up an additional or a complementary  sentence, to enrich a main sentence. Now, according to Swan (2005), there are different kinds of clauses. This time we will go over Adverb Clauses of Purpose, Contrast and Reason; though there are some others, such as adverb clauses of time, place, condition, manner, comparison or degree and result.

1. CLAUSES OF PURPOSE

• These are used to show why something is happening. We can use the following connectors:
• to
• in order to
• so as to
• in order not to
• so as not to
• so that
• for

Let´s think through the following examples:

TO_ The most common way to express purpose in English is by using  to + the infinitive form of the verb. For example:

• She wakes up early every day to be on time to work.
• We´re travelling to San Diego to see our parents.
• My brother studied hard to pass the test.
• My sister went out to buy some cookies and milk.

IN ORDER TO is a more formal connector than “to”. Here again, we use “in order to” followed by the infinitive form of the verb. For instance:

•  William always studies hard in order to pass all his exams.
• Our supervisor suggested that we stay overtime today in order to complete our paperwork.
• He left home early in order to be on time for his meeting.

• I am doing some research in order to find out the level of customer satisfaction toward our services.

 SO AS TO  is also a more formal connector than “to”. We use “so as to” followed by the infinitive form of the verb. Let´s analyze the following examples:

• Shania asked for two days off  so as to be home with her kids.
• I suggest you wear safety goggles so as to avoid damage.
• We´re going to visit Mr. Spencer so as to offer him help after his car accident.
• I’d like to buy a bigger car so as to  have more space for the kids.

IN ORDER NOT TO / SO AS NOT TO are used when we want to talk about a purpose that prevents us from something negative. For instance:

• I left home early in order not to miss my bus.
• It´s a good idea to exercise regularly so as not to get overweight.
• Mom always writes a shopping list so as not to forget anything.
• Let´s walk quietly in so as not to wake up the baby.

SO THAT is a very common purpose connector which is matched with a subject and modal verbs like “could, would, can or ‘will”:

• Mike lent his notes to Stella so that it would be easier for her to study for her Chemistry exam.
• Dad left at 6 o'clock so that he would be at the airport in plenty of time.

• Let me give you my number so that you can call me if there are any problems.
• We should leave home early so that we can find a place to park near the theater.

FOR  is used to show the exact purpose of something. It is followed by a noun or a verb + gerund (ing):

• This mop is for cleaning the dining room and the living room.
• A stethoscope is used for listening to sounds produced in the heart or lungs.
• I´d like to go the  park for a run.

2. CLAUSES OF CONTRAST

Clauses of contrast  are used to show the difference between two statements. We can use connectors such as

• however
• in spite of
• despite
• In spite of the fact that
• Though - Although and  Even though 

Let´s study the following:

HOWEVER is used to connect two different sentences. It is normally used after a full stop (.) or a semi-colon (;). Note that ‘However’ should ALWAYS be followed by a comma.

• My parents loved visiting Miami for the first time; however, the only problem was that their return flight was delayed for 5 hours.
• I didn’t like the hotel service. However, my family and I had a great time.

IN SPITE OF is a three-word-connector used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. It is followed by a noun, a pronoun or a gerund (ing). Examples:

• In spite of the drawbacks, William Smith won the game.
•  William Smith won the game, in spite of the drawbacks.

DESPITE  is used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, too. It is also  followed by a noun, a pronoun or a gerund (ing). Note that we do not ever use  the preposition “of” with “despite”.

• Despite the storm,  we drove to our parents’ home.
• We drove to our parents’ home, despite the storm.

IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT is a six-word-connector used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. It is followed by a subject and a verb:

• We went  to Madrid, in spite of the fact that we didn´t have enough money.
• In spite of the fact that we have won two championships, we aren't satisfied yet.

THOUGH is used similarly to “although”, but it is not so formal. It is followed by a subject and a verb. In spoken discourse, “though” is more common than “although”.

ALTHOUGH is more formal that “though” and it can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. It is followed by a subject and a verb. Lastly,

EVEN THOUGH can also be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. This connector is  said to be a little stronger and more formal than “though and although”. It is also followed by a subject and a verb. Here are some examples:

• Though it was an expensive watch, I bought it for Mom.
• I bought the watch for Mom, though it was expensive.

• Although Dana wasn´t feeling well, she drove us to the airport.
• Dana drove us to the airport, although she wasn´t feeling well.

• Even though I was disappointed at what Jim did, I lent him some money.
• I lent Jim some money, even though I was disappointed at what he did.

3. CLAUSES OF REASON

When we want to explain the reason why something is happening, happens or happened or has happened;  why someone is doing, does or did something, we use a clause of reason introduced by a conjunction: “because – as – since - in case”. Or a noun phrase introduced by “because of  or due to”.

BECAUSE can be  used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. Note that using “because” in the middle  of a sentence is more common. However, when the clause of reason is at the beginning of the sentence, a comma must be employed. “Because” is more common in spoken than in written  English. Here are some examples:

• Because James had not paid the rent, his landlord went to court to evict him.
• Paul works two shifts because he needs money for his expenses.
• Melody thinks she can get anything she asks her parents for because she´s their only child.
• They decided not to go to the party  because it was raining heavily.

AS and SINCE are also followed by subject + verb and can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. We must point out that  “as” and “since” are more formal expressions than “because”, and more common in written than in spoken English. Let´s analyze these examples:

• As Mr. Grant  was not in his office, Mr. Lee  spoke to Mr. Grant´s  assistant.
• Since our neighbors have apologized for all the inconveniences caused, we will take no further action against them.
• As my parents could not go on vacation this year, they decided to save their money for a trip to Canada next year.
• Since their favorite restaurants were closed, Jason and Terry  bought home-delivery food.

IN CASE  is a conjunction which is used to join two clauses. The main clause expresses an action, the other expresses the reason.   Note that “in case” is never used with ’will’ or ‘could’. Here are some examples:

• Mom has made some sandwiches for us in case we get hungry.
• I will take my umbrella and raincoat in case it rains.
• My mother prepared some spaghetti for us in case we get home before she does.
• Take the cellphone charger with you in case the battery drains.

BECAUSE OF is a connector that we use before a noun phrase. Now, most grammarians agree that if a sentence has a version of  the verb to be, use due to. If it doesn’t,  then use because of. For instance:

• Nobody  could enjoy the party because of your  constant arguing!
• Because of his job, Matt had to move to Australia.
• Sheena had to  reschedule her meeting because of a calendar conflict.
• The SBOL company went bankrupt because of poor financial management.

DUE TO is a more formal connector than “because of”. It means “attributable to”. We  use “due to” before a noun phrase. Now, remember that if a sentence has a version of the verb  to be,  then you can use due to. For instance:

• The meeting has been cancelled due to lack of a quorum.
• The football game had to be postponed due to the hurricane.
• Joe’s  success was due to his parents’ dedication and support.
• Air travellers were left stranded due to severe weather conditions.

TRY THE FOLLOWING QUIZ TO TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF CLAUSES. Choose the correct answer to complete the sentences correctly.

Choose a, b or c to complete the following sentences correctly. 

PEN AND INKSTAND

By Hans Christian Andersen

(I)  The following remark was made in a poet’s room, as the speaker looked at the inkstand that stood upon his table: “It is marvelous all that can come out of that inkstand! What will it produce next? Yes, it is marvelous!” “So it is!” exclaimed the Inkstand. “It is incomprehensible! That is what I always say.”

(II)  It was thus the Inkstand addressed itself to the Pen, and to everything else that could hear it on the table. “It is really astonishing all that can come from me! It is almost incredible! I positively do not know myself what the next thing may be, when a person begins to dip into me. One drop of me serves for half a side of paper; and what may not then appear upon it? I am certainly something extraordinary. From me proceed all the works of the poets. These animated beings, whom people think they recognize-these deep feelings, that gay humor, these charming descriptions of nature -I do not understand them myself, for I know nothing about nature; but still it is all in me. From me have gone forth, and still go forth, these warrior hosts, these lovely maidens, these bold knights on snorting steeds, those droll characters in humbler life. The fact is, however, that I do not know anything about them myself. I assure you they are not my ideas.”

(III)   “You are right there,” replied the Pen. “You have few ideas, and do not trouble yourself much with thinking, if you did exert yourself to think, you would perceive that you ought to give something that was not dry. You supply me with the means of committing to paper what I have in me; I write with that. It is the pen that writes. Mankind do not doubt that; and most men have about as much genius for poetry as an old inkstand.”

(IV) “You have but little experience,” said the inkstand. “You have scarcely been a week in use, and you are already half worn out. Do you fancy that you are a poet? You are only a servant: and I have had many of your kind before you came-many of the goose family, and of English manufacture. I know both quill pens and steel pens. I have had a great many in my service, and I shall have many more still, when he, the man who stirs me up, comes and puts down what he takes from me. I should like very much to know what will be the next thing he will take from me.”

“Ink tub!” said the Pen.

(V)  Late in the evening the Poet returned home. He had been at a concert, had heard a celebrated violin player, and was quite enchanted with his wonderful performance. It had been a complete gush of melody that he had drawn from the instrument. Sometimes it seemed like the gentle murmur of a rippling stream, sometimes like the singing of birds, sometimes like the tempest sweeping through the mighty pine forests, he fancied he heard his own heart weep, but in the sweet tones that can be heard in a woman’s charming voice. It seemed as if not only the strings of the violin made music, but its bridge, its pegs, and its sounding board. It was astonishing! The piece had been a most difficult one; but it seemed like play-as if the bow were but wandering capriciously over the strings. Such was the appearance of facility, that everyone might have supposed he could do it. The violin seemed to sound of itself, the bow to play of itself. These two seemed to do it all.

(VI) One forgot the master who guided them, who gave them life and soul. Yes, they forgot the master; but the Poet thought of him. He named him, and wrote down his thoughts as follows: “How foolish it would be of the violin and the bow, were they to be vain in their performance! And yet this is what so often we of the human species are. Poets, artists, those who make discoveries in science, military and naval commanders - we are all proud of ourselves; and yet we are all only the instruments in our Lord’s hands. To Him alone be the glory! We have nothing to arrogate to ourselves.” This was what the Poet wrote; and he headed it with: “The Master and the Instruments.”

“Well,  madam,” said the Pen to the Inkstand when they were again alone, “you heard him read aloud what I had written.”

(VII) “Yes, what I gave you to write,” said the Inkstand. “It was a hit at you for your conceit. Strange that you cannot see that people make a fool of you! I gave you that hit pretty cleverly. I confess, though, it was rather malicious.”

 “Inkholder!” cried the Pen.

“Writing stick!” cried the Inkstand.

(VIII) They both felt assured that they had answered well; and it is a pleasant reflection that one has made a smart reply-one sleeps comfortably after it. And they both went to sleep; but the Poet could not sleep. His thoughts welded forth like the tones from the violin, trilling like pearls, rushing like a storm through the forest. He recognized the feeling of his own heart- he perceived the gleam from the everlasting Master.  To Him alone be the glory.

Cambridge University Press. (2015). Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Fourth Edition.

Eastwood, J. (2019). Oxford Practice Grammar. Intermediate. Oxford University Press.

Hewings, M. (2013) Advanced Grammar in Use with Answers: A Self-Study Reference  and Practice Book for Advanced Learners of English. CUP

Murray, L. (2014) English Grammar.  Cambridge University Press.

Swan, M & Walter, C. (2016). Oxford English Grammar Course. Intermediate. Oxford University Press.

Images_Compra propia de licencias de banco de imágenes de Pixton y Pngtree, exentas de derechos de autor. https://www-es.pixton.com/ & https://es.pngtree.com/free-backgrounds.

Reading Text retrieved and adapted fromhttps://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1597_ Andersen`s fairy tales by H.C. Andersen. No permission is needed to credit Project Gutenberg as the source of something one uses. This applies even for commercial use.

• All practice exercises and charts were  written by Connie Reyes Cruz_2022_ENES- LEÓN-UNAM
• Audio version performed by Kimberly, Isabella, Robert, John  and Matt_Compra propia de licencia de uso de voces en Voicemaker, exenta de derechos de autor. https://voicemaker.in/ _Connie Reyes Cruz_2022_