Adverb Clause

Adverb clause is a subordinate clause which is used as an adverb. Like an adverb,  it tells when, where, how, why, with what goal/result, or under what condition something happens.

Adverb clause begins with common subordination conjunctions such as: after, before, until, while, because, since, as, so that, in order that, if, unless, whether, though, although, even though, where…


TYPES AND MEANINGS OF ADVERB CLAUSES

An adverb clause usually appears just before or just after the main clause. It shows different meanings in sentence such as time, place, condition, etc. Below are some common meanings it shows.

[1] Adverb clause of time

Time clause usually starts with when, before, after, until, since, while, etc. For examples,
  •  Before you go, turn off the radio.
  •  It is only six months since the bill was signed.

[2] Adverb clause of place

Clause of place usually starts with  where, wherever, etc. For examples,
  •  Put the gun where the children can't find it.
  •  I'll go wherever he sends me to.

[3] Adverb clause of manner

Clause of manner usually starts with as, as if, as though, etc. For examples,
  •  Everything worked out as he expected.
  •  We must behave as if everything were normal.

[4] Adverb clause of condition

Clause of condition usually starts with if, unless, as long as, provided that, etc. For examples,
  •  I'll drop in later if anything new comes up.
  •  Unless the traffic is very bad, we should arrive by eight.

[5] Adverb clause of reason

Clause of reason usually starts with because, since, or as. For examples,
  •  Because we couldn’t get the motor running, we had to row back to the dock.
  •  Since no one else will volunteer, I'll do t he cooking.

[6] Adverb clause of purpose

Clause of purpose usually starts with so that, in order that, or lest, etc. For examples,
  •  Clear the doorway so that the others can enter.
  •  She took a computer course in order that she could get a better job.

  •  I study hard so that I can pass the exam.
  •  I study hard lest I will fail in the exam.
  •  I need to get up early in order that I will not be late.
  •  I need to get up early lest I will be late.
[7] Adverb clause of result

Clause of result usually starts with so ... that, such ... that, etc. For examples,

So + adjective/adverb + that …
  •   It was so hurt that he cries.
  •   It looked so stormy that we decided to stay home.
  •  The test was so easy that a child could do.

Such + noun phrase + that …
  •   It was such a difficult test that I could not do.

[8] Adverb clause of concession

Clause of concession usually starts with although, though, even though, or even if, etc. For examples,
  •  While the large universities have many advantages, I still prefer a small college.
  •  Although she uses only two fingers, she is a very fast typist.


[9] Adverb clause of direct contrast

Clause of result usually starts with while or whereas.
  •  He is kind, while his brother is so selfish.
  •  The man looks polite, whereas his speech is quite rude.

Note: A comma is needed before while or whereas.


[10] Adverb clause of comparison

Clause of comparison usually starts with  as . . . as, so . . . as, than, etc. For examples,
  •  Your book isn't as long as mine (is).
  •  A turkey costs more than a chicken (does).
  •  Do you need George any more than (you do) me?
  •  Do you need George any more than I (do) ?
  •  It's more difficult than it seems.

NOTE: The clause of comparison is different from all the other types of adverb clause in two respects:

(i) It is used to modify an adjective or an adverb rather than a verb.
(ii) It may be elliptical; that is, some words in the clause may not be expressed (words in parentheses in the following sentences).