Adverb Clauses


Introduction

Similar to adverbs, adverb clauses 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 a definition of adverb clauses!

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.

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

Types Of Adverb Clauses

There are many types of adverb clauses:

Type Example
Place He thinks he will be happy where he has recently moved.
Time He wrote the book when he was 25.
Manner The kids cleaned the room as we wanted.
Reason I forgave him because I liked him.
Purpose They bought a piece of land so that they can build a bigger house.
Concession Although he is very old, he runs fast.
Condition If I had a lot of money, I would travel around the world.
Comparison He can run as fast as a world champion.

How Are Adverb Clauses Used?

  1. Expressing Time: Adverb 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: Adverb 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: Adverb 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.

Remember to connect the adverb clause to the main clause using a subordinating conjunction. Also, be mindful of the comma placement; generally, when the adverb clause comes before the main clause, a comma is used.

Example Sentences With Adverb Clauses

Here are example sentences with adverb 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
Subject
Verb
Finite verbs
Non-finite Verbs
Exercise on finite and non-finite verbs
Predicate
Direct and indirect objects
Sentence
Clauses