Types of Adverbial Clauses

Topic: Adverbial Clause
Subject: English Grammar
Adverbial Clause (Ty

Adverbial clause is used to modify a verb, an adjective, an adverb. Since the adverbial clause is a
dependent clause, it cannot stand alone. It must be combined with an independent clause to form a
complex sentence. The adverbial clause can come either before or after an independent clause. If it
comes at the beginning of the sentence, a comma is placed after it.
There are several different kinds of adverbial clauses:
1. Adverbial Clause of Time - An adverb of time states when something happens or how often. An
adverb of time often starts with one of the following subordinating conjunctions: after, as, as long
as, as soon as, before, no sooner than, since, until, when or while. Examples:
a. when (at the time) - e.g. I can see you when I finish my work.
b. while (during that time) - e.g. She was reading a book while the dinner was cooking.
c. before - e.g. They will leave before you get here.
d. after - e.g. After John’s employer warned him about his careless work, he was more careful.
e. by the time (one event is completed before another event) - e.g. By the time the lecturer
explained about Newton’s theory, the students had already read a little about it at their own
houses.
f. since (from the time to present) - e.g. I haven’t seen her since she left this morning.
2. Adverbial Clause of Place - An adverb of place states where something happens. An adverb of
place often starts with a preposition (e.g., in, on, near) or one of the following subordinating
conjunctions: anywhere, everywhere, where or wherever. Example:
a. where (definite place) - e.g. We live where the road crosses the river
b. wherever (any place) - e.g. The mad man usually goes wherever he wish to go.
c. everywhere (any place) - e.g. Everywhere I meet him, I always want to be angry
d. anywhere (any place) - e.g. I will find you anywhere you are.
3. Adverbial Clause of Condition – An adverb of condition states the condition for the main idea to
come into effect. They are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions if, whether, provided that,
so long as and unless. Example:
a) If I like it, I will buy it.
b) If you heat ice, it melts.
c) If it rains, we will stay at home.
d) You may come if you want to.
e) You won’t pass unless you work hard.
f) You will be shot unless you give me the keys of the locker.
g) There will be no problem provided that you keep your mouth shut.
h) You will have to take the medicine whether you like it or not.
4. Adverbial Clause of Result - They are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions that, so…that,
so that and such…that.
a) The famine was so severe that thousands perished.
b) They fought so bravely that the enemy fled.
c) He is such a good man that all respect him.
d) He spoke in such a low voice that few people could hear him.
She was so weak that she could hardly stand. OR She was so weak she could hardly stand.
(That is often omitted)
e) It was so hot we didn’t go out. OR It was so hot that we didn’t go out.
5. Adverbial Clause of Concession - An adverb of concession offers a statement which contrasts with
the main idea. They are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions though, although, even though,
while, whereas and even if.
a) Though I am poor, I am honest.
Topic: Adverbial Clause
Subject: English Grammar
b) I will be able to get in although I have no ticket.

c) Even if it rains, I will come.
d) The men managed to survive even though they were three days without water.
e) John is very social whereas his brother is an introvert.
f) Though he is young, he occupies an important position in the firm.
6. Adverbial Clause of Degree or Comparison - An adverb of degree states to what degree something
is done or offers a comparison. It answer the question how much, how little or how many. The
conjunctions used to introduce adverb clauses of degree are as, as…as, so…as , the…the and than.
a) She is older than her husband.
b) She is as intelligent as she is beautiful.
c) You are later than I expected.
d) She is as pretty as a doll.
e) She is not so intelligent as her sister.
f) The older you grow the wiser you become.
g) The more he earns the more he spends.
7. Adverbial Clause of Purpose – The clause tells us the purpose of the action the verb states. They
are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions that, so that, in order that and lest.
a) We eat that we may live.
b) He works hard so that he will become a millionaire.
c) Put on your warm clothes lest you should catch a chill.
d) Schools were closed early in order that students might reach home before the thunderstorm.
e) He reads so hard so that he can graduate top of his class.
f) You need to shed off some weight lest you should become obese.
g) The ceremony was rounded off in order that attendees might get to their destinations on time.
h) We work that we may earn and have to give.
i) We should work smarter and not harder so that we will not wear out our bodies.
8. Adverbial Clause of Reason (Cause) – An adverb of reason offers a reason for the main idea. They
are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions because, as, since and that.
a) I sing because I like singing.
b) He thinks he can get anything because he is rich.
c) Since he has apologized, we will take no further action against him.
d) As he was not there, I left a message with his mother.
e) I am glad that you have come.
f) My parents were disappointed that I didn’t get the scholarship.
g) He was furious that his book was criticized by most reviewers.
9. Adverbial Clause of Manner - An adverb of manner states how something is done. An adverb of
manner often starts with one of the following subordinating conjunctions: as, like, or the way.
a) The man was talking as if she was the leader of the group.
b) The choir sang as though the heavens would fall.
c) She performed so excellently that she got a scholarship.
d) Please do it (exactly) as I instructed.
e) (Just) as sugar attracts an ant (so) her beauty and congeniality attract customers to her shop.
f) He acts like it is a joke.
g) We don't have conversations. You talk at me the way a teacher talks to a naughty student.
h) Except for an occasional heart attack, I feel as young as I ever did.

Types of Adverbial Clauses

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Types of Adverbial Clauses

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Topic: Adverbial Clause

Subject: English Grammar

Adverbial Clause (Ty

There are several different kinds of adverbial clauses:

b) I will be able to get in although I have no ticket.

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