The Communicative Grammar of English Workbook - Edward Woods, Rudy Coppieters 2002

1.5. Finite clauses in spoken English
Unit one. Spoken and written English

Section 27; 360-374

In written English, we often use non-finite and verbless clauses as adverbials and modifiers. Such constructions would be highly unlikely in speech, where finite clauses and coordination are preferred.

Task one **

The sentences below are more likely to be formal, written English. Rewrite them in a form more likely in spoken English.

1. After winning the race, he enjoyed the prize money.

2. Having been in trouble in school before, the boy was afraid to tell his mother why he was home so late.

3. Having missed the last train, he stayed at his sister’s overnight.

4. Feeling ill, he decided not to go to work that day.

5. Built in 1903, the theatre was too big for small, contemporary plays.

6. Of all the mothers interviewed not in paid work, the majority intended to return to work when their children were older.

7. Given the steepness of the stairs, it was an accident waiting to happen.

8. Taking the dog for a walk across the fields, he realised that the new road they were going to build would go very near his own house.

9. On reading the biography of Sophia Loren, she determined to become an actress.

10. Getting home late, he found everyone had gone to bed.

Task two ***

The sentences below are more likely to be informal, spoken English. Rewrite them in a form more suitable for formal, written English.

1. Pete reminded her about the visit and hoped she would come.

2. They reorganised the shop but still didn’t get a lot of customers.

3. I saw her in the street and told her the good news.

4. They bought an old house, modernised it and made a lot of money when they resold it.

5. When you get to the top of the hill, you get a good view over the plain.

6. I didn’t like that stuff they gave us to eat last night. I left most of it on my plate.

7. He went to a lot of trouble to get the picture and so expected they would pay him a good price.

8. They felt very depressed - their team had lost for the third time.

9. I haven’t been to Mexico before so I don’t know what to expect.

10. We yelled at the top of our voices, but nobody took any notice.