Adverb clauses

Introduction

Similar to adverbs, adverb clauses in English serve the purpose of describing or offering additional information about verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. This blog post on adverb clauses aims to explore their usage. It provides clear insights into what they are and offers practical examples for better understanding.

Let’s get started with understanding what clauses are first!

Understanding Clauses: The Building Blocks of Sentences

Before discussing the characteristics of adverb clauses, it’s essential to understand the fundamental unit of a sentence—the clause.

What is a Clause?

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It functions as a complete thought, expressing an idea or conveying information. Clauses are the building blocks of sentences and play a crucial role in forming clear and meaningful communication.

Types of Clauses: Independent and Dependent

There are two main types of clauses: independent and dependent.

• Independent Clause: An independent clause, often called a main clause, is a complete sentence on its own. It expresses a standalone idea and can function independently as a complete thought.
  • Example: “She enjoys reading novels.”
• Dependent Clause: A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate or relative clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause to form a complete thought.
  • Example: “Because she enjoys reading novels…”

Now that we have a foundational understanding of clauses, we can explore how adverb clauses, a specific type of dependent clause, add depth and detail to sentences. These clauses serve to modify or provide additional information about the main action or verb, offering insights into when, where, why, how, or to what extent an action occurs.

In the upcoming sections, we will delve into the various types of adverb clauses and their roles in enriching the complexity and nuance of our sentences.

What is an adverb clause In English?

An adverb clause, also known as an adverbial clause, is a group of words that works like an adverb in a sentence. It adds more information to verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs by telling us when, where, how, why, or under what conditions something happens.

• Example 1: When the rain started, everyone ran inside.
  • In this sentence, “When the rain started” is an adverb clause because it tells us when everyone ran inside.
• Example 2: She sings as if no one is watching.
  • Here, “as if no one is watching” is an adverb clause. It explains how she sings— as if no one is watching.

Adverb clauses help make our sentences more detailed by giving us extra information about the action or state described.

Types of adverb clauses

Adverb clauses are like word groups that add extra information to sentences. They help us know more about the actions or situations in a sentence. Here are a few types:

Adverb Clause of Place

Adverb clauses of place provide information about the location or position of the main action in a sentence. They often start with subordinating conjunctions such as “where,” “wherever,” or “anywhere.” Here are examples:

1. We’ll meet at the park, where we had our first picnic.
2. He can work wherever there is a stable internet connection.
3. Put the keys where you can easily find them.
4. I’ll be waiting for us where we agreed to meet.
5. She can study anywhere there is a quiet atmosphere.
6. The children played wherever there was open space.
7. Set up the tent where it won’t block the path.
8. I’ll be there wherever you need assistance.
9. Keep your belongings where they won’t get wet.
10. We can have the meeting anywhere that is convenient for everyone.
11. They built a house where they felt happy living.

Adverb Clause of Time

These clauses provide information about when the main action in a sentence occurs. They often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as “when,” “while,” “before,” “after,” “since,” “until,” or “as soon as.” Here are examples:

• We will start the meeting when everyone arrives.
• She likes to read a book while she waits for the train.
• Finish your homework before you go out to play.
• He went to bed early after he had worked all day long.
• We have known each other since elementary school.
• Wait here until I return with the keys.
• Call me as soon as you reach the airport.
• She practiced the piano after we had dinner.
• When the sun sets, the sky turns vibrant shades of orange and pink.
• I’ll be here while you finish your shopping.
• He wrote the book when he was 25.

Adverb Clause of Manner

These clauses describe how the main action in a sentence is carried out. They often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as “as,” “as if,” “as though,” or “like.”

Here are some examples:

• The kids cleaned the room as we wanted.
• She danced gracefully as if she were floating on air.
• He completed the project efficiently, as a seasoned professional would
• Speak to him respectfully, as though he were your supervisor.
• She handled the situation calmly as if nothing were bothering her.
• They worked diligently as if the success of the project depended on it.
• The team celebrated joyfully like they had won a championship.
• Walk confidently into the room, as though you own it.

Adverb Clause of Reason

Adverb clauses of reason explain why the main action in a sentence occurred. They often start with subordinating conjunctions such as “because,” “since,” or “as,”

Here are examples:

• I forgave him because I liked him.
• He left early since he had an important meeting in the morning.
• She missed the bus as she overslept.
• They postponed the trip because one of them had a health issue at the last minute.
• I didn’t go to the party because I wasn’t feeling well.
• Since the traffic was light, we arrived at the destination ahead of schedule.
• He was absent from work as he was attending a family event.
• They opted for a smaller venue since we didn’t have a sufficient budget.

Adverb Clause of Purpose

Adverb clauses of purpose indicate the reason or purpose behind the main action. They often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as “so that” and “in order that.”

Here are examples:

• They bought a piece of land so that they could build a bigger house.
• We studied hard so that we could ace the exam.
• They saved money in order that they could travel around the world.
• She wrote a to-do list so that they could stay organized.
• I exercise regularly so that I can stay healthy.
• He woke up early so that he could catch the first train.

Adverb Clause of Concession

Adverb clauses of concession introduce a contrast or concession to the main clause. They often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as “although,” “even though,” “while,” and “though.”

Here are some examples:

• Although he is very old, he runs fast.
• Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
• She accepted the job offer, even though the salary was lower than expected.
• We’ll have a picnic, even if it rains.
• Though she was exhausted, she continued working on the project.
• He went to the party, although he wasn’t feeling well.
• Even though they lost the game, the team played exceptionally well.
• I’ll support your decision, though I may not fully understand it.
• Although it was late, they stayed up to finish watching the movie.

Adverb Clause of Condition

It sets a condition under which the action will occur. They are typically introduced with words like “if”, “unless”, and “provided that.

Here are some examples:

• If I had a lot of money, I would travel around the world.
• If it rains, we will stay indoors.
• We’ll go for a picnic, provided that the weather is nice.
• I’ll attend the meeting, in case there are important updates.
• She will come to the party unless she has prior commitments.
• We’ll proceed with the plan, only if everyone agrees.
• If you finish your homework early, you can join us for a movie.
• He will take the job, provided that the salary meets his expectations.

Adverb Clause of Comparison

Adverb clauses of comparison establish a relationship of similarity or difference between the main action and another action. They often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as “as…as” and “than.”

Here are some examples:

• He can run as fast as a world champion.
• Her husband is younger than she is.
• She doesn’t work as hard as he does.
• It’s earlier than my initial estimation.
• His sister earns less than he does.
• She is not as stupid as you think.
• He works harder than most of his colleagues.

Type	Example	Explanation
Place	The adverb clause starting with “where” specifies the location where the action took place, providing information about the place.	The adverb clause starting with “where” specifies the location where the action took place, providing information about the place.
Time	He wrote the book when he was 25.	The adverb clause starting with “when” specifies the time at which the action (writing the book) took place.
Manner	The kids cleaned the room as we wanted.	The adverb clause starting with “as” describes the manner in which the kids cleaned the room.
Reason	I forgave him because I liked him.	The adverb clause starting with “because” presents the reason or cause behind the forgiveness. It answers the question “Why?”
Purpose	They bought a piece of land so that they could build a bigger house.	The adverb clause starting with “so that” introduces the purpose behind buying the land, emphasizing the intended outcome.
Concession	Although he is very old, he runs fast.	The adverb clause starting with “although” conveys a concession, acknowledging a surprising or contrasting fact.
Condition	If I had a lot of money, I would travel around the world.	The adverb clause starting with “if” sets a condition for the action of traveling, indicating a hypothetical situation.
Comparison	He can run as fast as a world champion.	The adverb clause starting with “as” establishes a comparison, highlighting the similarity in speed between the person and a world champion.

How are Adverb Clauses Used?

1. Expressing Time: Adverbial clauses can indicate when an action takes place. Common subordinating conjunctions for time include “when,” “while,” “before,” “after,” “as,” and “since.”
   • Example:
     • After she finished her homework, she went to the party.
2. Showing Cause and Effect: Adverbial clauses help explain why something happened. Subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “since,” “so that,” and “as” are used in such cases.
   • Example:
     • He studied hard because he wanted to pass the exam.
3. Indicating Condition: Adverbial clauses can specify the conditions under which an action occurs. Conjunctions like “if,” “unless,” and “whether” are often used.
   • Example:
     • If it rains, we will stay indoors.
4. Describing Manner: These clauses elaborate on how an action is performed. Subordinating conjunctions like “as if,” “as though,” and “like” are commonly used.
   • Example:
     • She danced as if nobody was watching.
5. Locating in Space: Adverb clauses can provide information about where an action takes place. Conjunctions such as “where,” “wherever,” and “everywhere” are used in such cases.
   • Example:
     • Put the keys where you found them.

Example Sentences with Adverbial Clauses

Here are example sentences with adverbial clauses:

1. After the storm passed, we went outside to assess the damage.
2. Because she forgot her umbrella, Sarah got drenched in the rain.
3. He always takes notes while the teacher is explaining new concepts.
4. Unless you finish your chores, you won’t be allowed to go out with your friends.
5. She sang loudly as if she wanted the whole world to hear her.
6. After they finished their dinner, the family gathered in the living room.
7. He reads a book whenever he has some free time.
8. Since it was a hot day, they decided to go swimming in the lake.
9. She spoke softly as though she didn’t want anyone to overhear.
10. If you water the plants regularly, they will thrive.
11. He couldn’t sleep because the neighbors were playing loud music.
12. After the movie ended, they discussed their favorite scenes.
13. She exercises every morning so that she can stay healthy.
14. We’ll go for a hike unless it rains this weekend.
15. They stayed up late as they were excited about the upcoming trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adverb clauses serve modifiers, much like adverbs. They enhance our understanding by modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, addressing aspects such as location, time, and more. Mastering their use not only refines your grammar skills but also enriches your writing, allowing you to convey information with greater precision and depth.

You may also be interested in:

• Parts of speech
• Subjects
• Verbs
• Finite verbs
• Non-finite Verbs
• Exercise on finite and non-finite verbs
• Predicates
• Direct and indirect objects
• Sentences
• Clauses