An adverb clause is a collection of words in a sentence that acts as an adverb. The function of the clause is to modify or give detailed information about adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. In simple terms, an adverb clause adds information that describes how the action took place in a sentence. For instance, it can explain when, where, and how the action took place in a sentence.
Adverb Clauses
What Is an Adverb Clause?
An adverb clause, also known as an adverbial clause, comprises a subject and a verb, and that’s why not every group word is an adverb clause. At the start of every adverb clause, there is a subordinate conjunction. Examples of subordinate conjunction include: after, although, because, and if. A sentence composed of a group word that functions as an adverb and does not comprise of a subject and a verb, then it’s an adverb phrase.
What are the uses of adverb clauses?
An adverb clause is used in a sentence to add relevant and descriptive information to your content. Adverb clauses are flexible enough in that they can be used in different parts of a sentence. For instance, they can be placed at the start, middle, or end of a sentence, based on where they perfectly fit.
Position of Adverb Clauses
Adverb Clause at the Beginning of a Sentence
When an adverb clause is placed at the start of a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma. This is illustrated in the following examples:
- Whether you like it or not, you have to attend the afternoon lessons.
- Unless you apologize, you will be punished.
- Unless you put more effort into your studies, you will not excel.
Adverb Clause at the Middle of a Sentence
Commas separate the adverb clause in the middle of the sentence. This is not the usual presentation since there is an interruption of the foremost thought. An example of this is illustrated below:
- Dogs, although they bark, they cannot scare visitors.
- James, although he is good at mathematics, he cannot score everything.
- Chocolate, due to its low melting point, can never be used to bake.
Adverb Clause at the End of a Sentence
When placed at the end of the sentence, an adverb clause does not require any additional punctuation. Examples of this include:
- You need to keep on practicing the song until you get it right.
- Give us a call when you get past Melbourne.
- The day so was long because we were completely idle.
- You need to remain calm even if something does not go as planned.
- I won’t let you watch the video clip even though you are 18 years and above.
- I never knew how good life was until I met you.
Types of Adverb Clauses
Keep in mind to check for a subject and a verb if you are not sure whether a group of words is an adverb clause or not. If it is composed of a verb and a subject and it does answer the question when, where, how then it’s an adverb clause. You should always remember to use adverb clauses properly since they add more descriptive information, thereby bringing relevance to your work and making it useful as much as possible.
Adverbial clauses are grouped into the following categories:
- Adverb clauses of place
- Adverb clauses of time
- Adverb clauses of cause
- Adverb clauses of purpose
- Adverb clauses of condition
Adverb Clauses of Place
They answer the question where.
An example of this might be:
- Where there is a party, there is enjoyment.
Adverb Clauses of Time
They answer the question when. An example of this might be:
- When the referee brews the final whistle, all the players left the pitch.
- After the exams are done, we will all leave the school compound.
Adverbs Clauses of Cause
They answer the question why. An example of this might be:
- She won the race because she had done enough practice.
- She was arrested because he stole the neighbor’s umbrella.
Adverbs Clauses of Purpose
They also answer the question why. An example of this might be:
- He eats a balanced diet every day to stay healthy.
- He drinks two glasses of water after every day because the doctor has advised him to do so.
Adverb Clauses of Condition
They answer the question how. An example might be:
- You can buy a new home if you save money.
- Unless you work hard, you will not do well in your exams.
Adverb clauses are more complex than common adverbs, but they are significant when it comes to adding additional information to your writing by explaining how and why things happen.
Adverbial Clauses | Picture
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