Adverbial Clauses

Adverbial Clauses

An adverbial clause is a group of words which plays the role of an adverb.

An adverbial clause of time shows when something happens. It is usually introduced by before, after, as, when, while, until, as soon as, since, no sooner than, as long as, etc .

E.g. I always take a bath before I go to bed.

An adverbial clause of time can come before or after the main clause. When it comes before the main clause, we usually separate it with a comma. Comma is not necessary when the adverb clause goes after the main clause.

E.g. Whenever I think of her, my eyes get misty.

My eyes get misty whenever I think of her.

An adverbial clause of place shows where something happens. It is usually introduced by anywhere, everywhere, where, or wherever.

E. g. Wherever you go, you will find coca cola.

An adverbial clause of manner/ձև/ shows how something is done. It is usually introduced by as,  like, or the way.

E.g. You talk at me the way a teacher talks to a naughty student.

An adverbial clause of cause/reason/ shows why something is done. It is usually introduced by  because, as.

E. g. He was shaking because he was afraid.

An adverbial clause of purpose gives the purpose for doing something. It is usually introduced by  that, so that, in order that.

E. g. We eat that we may live.

An adverbial clause of degree states to what degree something is done or offers a comparison. It is usually introduced by than, as...as, so...as, or the...the.

E. g. He is as smart as he is tall.

An adverbial clause of condition states the condition for the main idea to come into effect. An adverb of condition often starts with if or unless.

E. g. If you what to meet him you can join us.

Clauses that “concede” or “grant” some fact in spite of which the statement in the Principle Clause is made, are called adverbial clauses of concession. It is usually introduced by   though, although, whoever, whatever, however.

E. g. Though it was very late, he went on working.