definition of adverbial clause
For those of you wondering what is an adverbial clause, here is a short
definition of it.
An adverbial clause is a clause that functions as an adverb. In other
words, it contains subject (explicit or implied) and predicate, and it modifies
a verb.
- I saw Joe when I went to the store. (explicit subject I)
- He sat quietly in order to appear polite. (implied subject he)
According to Sidney Greenbaum and Randolph Quirk, adverbial clauses
function mainly as adjuncts or disjuncts. In those functions they are like
adverbial phrases, but in their potentiality for greater explicitness, they are
more often like prepositional phrases
- We left after the speeches ended. (Is it an adverbial clause, adverbial phrase or preposition phrase?)
- We left after the end of the speeches.(Is it an adverbial clause, adverbial phrase or preposition phrase?)
Contrast adverbial clauses with adverbial phrases, which do not contain a
clause.
I like to fly kites for fun.
Kinds of Adverbial Clauses
Kind of Clause
|
Function
|
Subordinate Conjunctions
|
Example
|
Time Clauses
|
These clauses are used to say when something happens
by referring to a period of time or to another event.
|
When
|
I don’t know when the decision was made
|
Before
|
Before he comes, she will turn
on the television.
|
||
After
|
We left after the speeches ended.
|
||
Since
|
Since she has long hair,
she
wears a ponytail.
|
||
While
|
her parents could help with child care while she works.
|
||
As
|
the play started as i got there.
|
||
As long as
|
He won't come, as long as she smoke.
|
||
Until
|
i waited until it got dark.
|
||
Till
|
they slept till the alarm bleeper woke them at four.
|
||
Whenever
|
i recommend that you avoid processed foods whenever possible.
|
||
Conditional Clauses
|
These clauses are
used to talk about a possible or counterfactual situation and its
consequences.
|
If
|
you can go if you want.
|
Unless
|
we cannot understand disease unless we understand the person who has the disease.
| ||
Purpose Clauses
|
These clauses are
used to indicate the purpose of an action.
|
So that
|
They had to take some of his
land so that they could extend
the churchyard.
|
In order to
|
He sat
quietly in order to appear polite
|
||
In order that
|
He is going to make a registration in order that
he can take course.
|
||
Reason Clauses
|
These clauses are used to indicate the reason for
something.
|
Because
|
I couldn't feel anger against
him because I liked him too much.
|
Since
|
i'm forever on a diet, since i put on weight easily.
|
||
As
|
enjoy the first hour of the day. this is important as it sets the mood for the rest of the day.
|
||
Result Clauses
|
These clauses are
used to indicate the result of something.
|
So...that
|
My suitcase had become so
damaged on the journey home that
the lid would not
stay closed.
|
Concession Clauses
|
These clauses are used to make two statements, one
of which contrasts with the other or makes it seem surprising.
|
Although
|
she was in love with him, although she did not put that name to it.
|
Even though
|
Even though you are 13,
you
can’t go to that
movie.
|
||
Though
|
i like him. though he makes me sad sometimes.
|
||
Place Clauses
|
These clauses are
used to talk about the location or position of something.
|
Where
|
he knew where henry had gone.
|
Wherever
|
some people enjoy themselves wherever they are.
|
||
Anywhere
|
I haven't got anywhere to live.
|
||
Everywhere
|
we went everywhere together.
| ||
Clause of Comparison
|
Adverb as is a
clause which states comparison.
|
As...as
|
Johan can speak English as
fluently as his
teacher.
|
Clauses of Manner
|
These clauses are used to talk about someone's
behavior or the way something is done.
|
As
|
I was never allowed to do
things as I wanted to do them.
|
As if
|
He ate as if
he were starving
for months.
|
||
As though
|
He cried as
though he is in pain.
|
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