Time Clauses Part 3
Objectives
- Identify independent and dependent clauses
- Explain the purpose of a time clause
- Identify a time clause
- Use time clauses to narrate and describe in the past
Time Clauses
Remember that time clauses are dependent clauses, and they are providing information about the time relationship between the clauses in the sentence. We will look at five more subordinators used to introduce time clauses.
While / as
Use these subordinators to talk about what is happening during the time something else is happening. In this case, the dependent clause and independent clause happen at the same time. The progressive aspect is often used with these clauses but not always.
While Katherine is painting the walls, Max paints the banister.
Daniel tried to scare Jesi and Stephanie as they were talking.
Just as
Use just as to talk about two actions that happen at exactly the same time. Note that this is not a cause/effect relationship; it just means the two actions happen simultaneously.
Some mornings, the baby wakes up just as my alarm rings.
Just as she thought she wouldn’t get a good picture, the giraffe came into full view.
The bell rang just as Ernesto arrived.
Exercise 1: Listen
Listen to this audio about a biology class field trip. There are examples of using while, as, and just as in time clauses. Check the transcript to see if you noticed all of the examples.
Transcript
Yesterday our biology class went on a field trip to a wildlife conservation center. First, we went to the visitors center. While we looked at the exhibits on display for the visitors, the guide explained to us the purpose of this wildlife center. Just as I was starting to get bored, we were invited to explore the nature paths. Along the trail there were signs explaining the conservation efforts you could observe in those areas. My partner and I took notes as we explored. We had a quick lunch afterward and then packed to leave. Just as we were about to leave, I realized I left my water bottle at the lunch site. It was a very busy and interesting day.
Speaking Practice
- Narrate and describe about an experience you had on a school field trip. Where did you go? What did you do? Did you enjoy the experience?
- What is the balance between natural selection (survival of the fittest) and conservation (protecting at risk species)?
Exercise 2: Group Activity - Story Chains
- Create a story with your group about a fictional field trip you "took" together in the past.
- Decide where you went and what you did at the location.
- To tell the story, one student will begin with 2 sentences about the experience.
- The next student will continue the story by connecting an idea from the last student to a new idea using while, as, or just as and then add 2 more sentences to the story.
- Repeat adding connecting sentences and 2 additional sentences.
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