Use phrases and clauses to say it better
Grade 9 Reading Worksheet

Circle the best answer.
[1] The harbor pilots studied the tide tables. [2] The pilots guided the freighter out before dawn. Ari combines two sentences with a participial phrase that begins “Having studied.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?
- Having studied the tide charts, the harbor pilots guided the freighter out before dawn.
- Having studied the tide tables, the harbor pilots guided the freighter out before dawn.
- The harbor pilots studied the tide tables, they guided the freighter out before dawn.
- Having studied the tide tables, the freighter was guided out by the harbor pilots before dawn.
[1] The tide was rising. [2] The pilots eased the barge into the channel. Bo combines two sentences with an absolute phrase built on “the tide.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?
- The tide was rising, the pilots eased the barge into the channel.
- The tide rising, the pilots eased the barge into the channel.
- Rising with the tide, the pilots eased the barge into the channel.
- The tide rising. The pilots eased the barge into the channel.
[1] A storm stranded the delegation in Lisbon. [2] The delegation booked seats on a train to Madrid. Jun combines two sentences with a participial phrase that begins “Stranded.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?
- Stranded in Lisbon by a storm, the delegation booked seats on a train to Madrid.
- A storm stranded the delegation in Lisbon, the delegation booked seats on a train to Madrid.
- Stranded in Madrid by a storm, the delegation booked seats on a train to Lisbon.
- Stranded in Lisbon by a storm, seats on a train to Madrid were booked.
[1] Mr. Osei stood at the podium. [2] His notes were spread before him. Kira combines two sentences with an absolute phrase built on “his notes.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?
- Mr. Osei stood at the podium, his notes were spread before him.
- Spread before him, Mr. Osei stood at the podium.
- Mr. Osei stood at the podium. His notes spread before him.
- Mr. Osei stood at the podium, his notes spread before him.
[1] The new schedule adds a period of tutoring. [2] The schedule shortens lunch by ten minutes. Luz combines two sentences. The writer wants readers to remember the cost. Which sentence puts that idea in the main clause?
- The new schedule adds a period of tutoring, it shortens lunch by ten minutes.
- Although the new schedule shortens lunch by ten minutes, it adds a period of tutoring.
- Although the new schedule adds a period of tutoring. It shortens lunch by ten minutes.
- Although the new schedule adds a period of tutoring, it shortens lunch by ten minutes.
[1] Dr. Chen examined the sample under a microscope. [2] She noticed an unusual crystal pattern. Milo combines two sentences with a participial phrase that begins “Examining.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?
- Examining the sample under a telescope, Dr. Chen noticed an unusual crystal pattern.
- Dr. Chen examined the sample under a microscope, she noticed an unusual crystal pattern.
- Examining the sample under a microscope, an unusual crystal pattern was noticed.
- Examining the sample under a microscope, Dr. Chen noticed an unusual crystal pattern.
[1] The bridge was closed for repairs. [2] The commuters took the long way around. Noah combines two sentences with an absolute phrase built on “the bridge.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?
- Closed for repairs, the commuters took the long way around.
- The bridge being closed for repairs. The commuters took the long way around.
- The bridge was closed for repairs, the commuters took the long way around.
- The bridge closed for repairs, the commuters took the long way around.
[1] The museum's budget was cut by a third. [2] The museum opened a new wing. Pia combines two sentences. The writer wants readers to remember the new wing. Which sentence puts that idea in the main clause?
- Although the museum opened a new wing, its budget was cut by a third.
- Although its budget was cut by a third. The museum opened a new wing.
- Although its budget was cut by a third, the museum opened a new wing.
- Cut by a third, a new wing was opened by the museum.
[1] The final bell rang. [2] The students rushed for the exits. Tala combines two sentences with an absolute phrase built on “the final bell.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?
- The final bell rang, the students rushed for the exits.
- Ringing at last, the students rushed for the exits.
- The final bell having rung. The students rushed for the exits.
- The final bell having rung, the students rushed for the exits.
[1] Ms. Garza coaches the robotics team. [2] Ms. Garza won the state teaching award. Zee combines two sentences with a relative clause. The writer wants readers to remember the award. Which sentence puts that idea in the main clause?
- Ms. Garza coaches the robotics team, she won the state teaching award.
- Ms. Garza, who coaches the robotics team, won the state teaching award.
- Coaching the robotics team, the state teaching award was won by Ms. Garza.
- Ms. Garza, who won the state teaching award, coaches the robotics team.