Do you know that adverbs can go beyond single words and actually form whole clauses? These powerful linguistic tools are known as adverb clauses and can greatly enrich your writing. In this blog post, you will explore what adverb clauses are and discuss how they can elevate your English to new heights.

First, let’s understand what a clause is. Simply put, a clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can function independently as a complete thought (known as an independent clause) or depend on another clause to form a complete sentence (known as a dependent or subordinate clause).

Adverb Clauses Video

If you prefer watching video to reading, see the video below.

1. Definition of  Adverb Clause

So, what distinguishes adverb clauses from other types of clauses? It’s their function within a sentence. While other types of clauses, such as noun or adjective clauses, provide additional information about a noun or an adjective respectively, adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

In essence, an adverb clause is a dependent clause used to describe how something occurs.

Adverb clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions, such as “after,” “although,” “because,” “if,” “since,” and many more. These conjunctions serve as the bridge between the main clause and the adverb clause, indicating the relationship between the two.

2. Adverb Clause Examples

Let’s take a closer look at a few examples to better understand the potential of adverb clauses:

2.1. Cause and Effect

He failed the test because he didn’t study.

In this example, the adverb clause of reason “because he didn’t study” explains the cause behind the main clause “he failed the test.” It adds context and enhances our understanding of the situation.

2.2. Condition

If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors.

Here, the adverb clause “if it rains tomorrow” sets a condition for the main clause “we will stay indoors.” It demonstrates how adverb clauses can add complexity and nuance to our writing.

2.3. Time

After we finish dinner, we will go for a walk.

The adverb clause “after we finish dinner” indicates the time frame for the main clause “we will go for a walk.” It paints a vivid picture of the sequence of events, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story.

By incorporating adverb clauses into your writing, you can create a more captivating narrative, provide clearer explanations, or draw stronger connections between ideas. They give you the ability to explore the cause and effect relationships, express conditions, describe time frames, contrast ideas, show manner, and much more.

Discovering the power of adverb clauses can improve your writing. By using these descriptive details, you will add depth and complexity to your sentences. Remember, a well-placed adverb clause can captivate your readers, evoke emotions, and provide a clearer picture of the world you’ve created.

So, try using these versatile tools to take your writing to new heights! Let’s see the following nine types of adverb clauses:

3. Types of Adverb Clauses

Here are some types of adverbial clauses:

3.1. Adverb Clauses of Manner

An adverb clause of manner  describe how something happens.
Example: She danced as if she were flying in the air.

3.2. Adverb Clauses of Place

We usually use an adverb clause of place to describe where something occurs.
Example: She is always happy wherever she works.

3.3. Adverb Clauses of Time

This clause indicates the time when something happened, will happen, or usually happens.
Example: After I finish my work, I will go for a walk.

3.4. Adverb Clauses of Condition

This clause indicates a condition that must be met before an action can take place.
Example: If it rains, we will stay inside.

3.5. Adverb Clauses of Purpose

An adverbial clause of purpose usually indicates the reason for an action.
Example: I went to this restaurant so that I can enjoy my favorite menu.

 

3.6. Adverb Clauses of Reason

An adverb clause of reason  generally describes why something occurs.
Example:

People are usually willing to work  because they need money to survive.

Because I wrote a business plan, I went to bed late last night.

3.7. Adverb Clauses of Result

An adverbial clause of result describes the result or consequence of an action.
Example: I was so tired that I fell asleep as soon as I lay down.

3.8. Adverb Clauses of Concession

We usually use an adverb clause of concession to show a contrast between two ideas, with the first idea being surprising or unexpected.
Example: Although he studied very hard, he still failed the exam.

3.9. Adverb Clauses of Comparison

An adverb clause of comparison describes a comparison between two things.
Example: Crocodiles moves faster in the water than how they do it on land.

See also adjective clauses and noun clauses here.

4. More Examples of Adverb Clauses

Here are some more examples of these clauses; they are underlined:

1. Although it was raining heavily, I still went for a run.
2. Since you have finished your work early, you can leave the office.
3. Whenever I see their happy faces, it brightens my day.
4. As soon as the alarm went off, he jumped out of bed.
5. Even though she had studied all night, she still couldn’t pass the exam.
6. Because they were running late, they missed their flight.
7. If you don’t water the plants regularly, they will die.
8. While he was driving, he received an important phone call.
9. Since it was getting dark, they decided to turn on the lights.
10. Whenever she hears that song, it reminds her of her childhood.

 

Adverb Clauses Exercises

Exercise I

Complete the following adverb clauses to make good sentences.

1. As soon as the food ……………………….., everyone started eating.
2. Although she was  ………………, she continued working on her project.
3. Because it was ……………………. they decided to go to the beach.
4. If it’s ……………………………., we’ll have to cancel our picnic.
5. While I …………………………….., I bumped into an old friend.
6. Since he …………………………………., he relies on public transportation.
7. Whenever I …………………………….., it upsets my stomach.
8. As soon as the doorbell ………………….., the children rushed to open it.
9. He managed to focus on his work although they ……………………………..
10. Because she had ……………………………….., she got soaked in the rain.

 

Answer

Exercise I

1. As soon as the food arrived, everyone started eating.
2. Although she was tired, she continued working on her project.
3. Because it was too hot outside, they decided to go to the beach.
4. If it’s raining tomorrow, we’ll have to cancel our picnic.
5. While I was shopping, I bumped into an old friend.
6. Since he doesn’t have a car, he relies on public transportation.
7. Whenever I eat spicy food, it upsets my stomach.
8. As soon as the doorbell rang, the children rushed to open it.
9. He managed to focus on his work although they make a lot of noise.
10. Because she had forgotten her umbrella, she got soaked in the rain.