9.4 Using the –ing Form after Time Words

ABOUT YOU Write sentences about leaving your country or hometown and traveling to the U.S. or another place. Use the words given. Share your answers with a partner.

1. for

For many years I wanted to leave my country. But my parents thought I was too young, so they wouldn't let me.

2. whenever

3. before

4. since

5. while

EXAMPLES subject subject

The Lost Boys went to Ethiopia after they left Sudan.

The Lost Boys went to Ethiopia after leaving Sudan.

While they were living in a refugee camp, the Lost Boys learned some English.

While living in a refugee camp, the Lost Boys learned some English.

EXPLANATION If the subject of the main clause and the subject of the time clause are the same, the sentence can be shortened by deleting the subject of the time clause and changing the verb to a present participle (-ing).

subject subject

EXERCISE 8 Change the time clause to a participial phrase.

1. While they were running from their homes, they saw many dangerous animals.

While running from their homes, they saw many dangerous animals.

2. The Lost Boys went to Kenya before they came to the U.S.

3. While they were living in Kenya, they studied English.

4. Before they came to the U.S., the Lost Boys had never used electricity.

5. Deng learned how to use a computer after he came to the U.S.

6. Before he found a job, Deng got help from the U.S. government.

7. Deng went back to South Sudan after he graduated from college.

8. While he was studying for his degree, Deng raised money for a school in South Sudan.