Exercises C1 : Advanced subordinate clauses in English

These exercises are based on the course on advanced subordinate clauses in English at C1 level. They will help you consolidate concessive, purpose, and other complex subordinate structures covered in the lesson.

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Exercice 1 — Gap-fill: Subordinate Clauses in Context

Fill in each blank with the correct subordinate conjunction or verb form to complete the sentence appropriately.

1. She stayed at the office late ___ (so that / in order that) her team could meet the deadline without any pressure.
2. He spoke slowly and clearly ___ (although / despite) the fact that the audience was already familiar with the topic.
3. They reinforced the structure ___ (lest) it ___ (collapse) under the additional weight of the new equipment.
4. No matter how hard she ___ (try), the committee refused to acknowledge the validity of her proposal.

Correction

1. She stayed at the office late so that her team could meet the deadline without any pressure.
2. He spoke slowly and clearly although the fact that the audience was already familiar with the topic might have suggested otherwise.
3. They reinforced the structure lest it should collapse under the additional weight of the new equipment.
4. No matter how hard she tried, the committee refused to acknowledge the validity of her proposal.

Exercice 2 — Sentence Transformation: Expressing Complex Relationships

Rewrite each sentence using the subordinate clause structure indicated in brackets, keeping the original meaning as close as possible.

1. He was exhausted. He still delivered a compelling presentation. [Use: even though]
2. The manager implemented the new policy. The goal was for employees to feel more supported. [Use: so that]
3. She works extremely hard. Yet she never seems to get the recognition she deserves. [Use: however hard]
4. They left very early. They were afraid they might miss the first session. [Use: lest]

Correction

1. Even though he was exhausted, he still delivered a compelling presentation.
2. The manager implemented the new policy so that employees would feel more supported.
3. However hard she works, she never seems to get the recognition she deserves.
4. They left very early lest they should miss the first session.

Exercice 3 — Error Correction: Subordinate Clause Mistakes

Each sentence contains one error related to subordinate clause usage. Identify the mistake and rewrite the full corrected sentence.

1. Although she studied thoroughly, but she still found the examination particularly challenging.
2. He whispered so that not to disturb the other delegates during the keynote speech.
3. However the situation was difficult, the negotiators managed to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
4. She double-checked every figure lest the auditors would find any discrepancies in the annual report.

Correction

1. Although she studied thoroughly, she still found the examination particularly challenging.
2. He whispered so as not to disturb the other delegates during the keynote speech.
3. However difficult the situation was, the negotiators managed to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
4. She double-checked every figure lest the auditors should find any discrepancies in the annual report.