ADVERBIAL CLAUSE

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.

Source :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverbial_clause
http://ratnaninuneno.blogspot.com/2013/04/adverbial-clause.html