2. 1. The lost boys went to Kenya
before they came to the United
States. (“Before” is a subordinator.)
3. 1. The lost boys went to Kenya
before coming to the United States.
(Here, “before” is a preposition and
“coming” is a noun.)
Be sure to study before the test
(preposition + noun).
4. 2. While they were living in Kenya,
they studied English.
5. 2. While living in Kenya, they
studied English.
(In this sentence, you can reduce
the adverbial clause—but don’t
reduce the main clause.)
The clause that does not begin with
a subordinator is the main clause.
6. 2. While studying English, they lived
in Kenya.
(In this sentence, “they lived in
Kenya” is the main clause. The
meaning is different—it sounds as if
they went to Kenya in order to study
English.)
7. 3. Before they came to the U.S., the
Lost Boys had never used electricity.
8. 3. Before coming to the U.S., the
Lost Boys had never used electricity.
(Now “before” is a preposition.)
9. 4. John Bul learned to use a
computer after he came to the U.S.
10. 4. John Bul learned to use a
computer after coming to the U.S.
(In this sentence, “after” is a
preposition.
11. 5. Until he found a job, John got
help from the U.S. government.
(In this sentence, “until” is a
subordinator.)
12. 5. Until finding a job, John got help
from the U.S. government.
(In this sentence, “until” is a
preposition.)
This class lasts until May.
13. 6. John wants to go back to Sudan
after he graduates from college.
(“After is a subordinator.)
14. 6. John wants to go back to Sudan
after graduating from college.
(“After” is a preposition.)
