** Reply to note from Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar <[log in to unmask]> Mon, 21 May 2001 21:48:45 -0400 Michael's examples and qeustion had to do with adverbial clauses. That brought the elliptical adverbial clause to mind: >While I was running around the block, I saw three purple VW's. or ... >while running around the block, I saw three purple VW's. or ... >Running around the block, I saw three purple VW's. "Despite," in your examples is not a subordinating conjunction; it can't introduce clauses. I guess I'd have to say 'despite' behaves more like a preposition. __________________________ David E. Sawyer, PhD Chair, Department of English North Hennepin Community College Treasurer, Assembly For the Teaching of English Grammar [log in to unmask] [O](763) 424-0832; [H](612) 929-3713 To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/