Adverbial clauses

An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb; that is, the entire clause modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Adverbial clauses give information about the time, place, condition, reason, concession, purpose,… that occurred.

Examples of Adverbial Clauses

Adverb clauses, also known as adverbial clauses, are dependent clauses that function as adverbs.

Adverb Clauses of Condition

These adverb clauses answer the question HOW.

• Even if: Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.
• If:  He cannot refuse if you ask politely.
• Only if: The lawyer is paid only if he wins.
• Unless: Don’t say you love me unless you really mean it.
• In case: Never walk behind a horse in case it kicks out at you.

Adverb Clauses of Place

These adverbial clauses answer the question WHERE.

• Anywhere: I’ve lost my keys. I can’t find them anywhere.
• Where: He went to Hull University, where he studied History and Economics.
• Everywhere: There you are! I’ve been looking for you everywhere.
• Wherever: I will follow you wherever you go.

Adverb Clauses of Time

These adverbial clauses answer the question WHEN.

• After: I walk back after work every day.
• As soon as: The baby can cry as soon as he is born.
• Before: It’s most unlikely that she’ll arrive before seven.
• By the time: By the time she was eight, she could read Greek and Latin.
• Once: The receptionist recognized him at once.
• Since: The rain has been continuous since this morning.
• Till/ Until: Let’s wait till the rain stops.
• When/ While: He kept in touch with us while he was on vacation.
• Whenever: Always lock your car whenever you leave it.

Adverb Clauses of Reason

These adverb clauses answer the question WHY.

• As: We asked Philip to come with us, as he knew the road.
• Because: Don’t say sorry, because we never mind.
• Since: Since you are unable to answer, perhaps we should ask someone else.

Adverb Clauses of Concession

These adverb clauses answer the question HOW, albeit in a roundabout way.

• Although: Although she is young, she is very independent.
• Even though: She hasn’t phoned, even though she said she would.

• Though: Anne was fond of Tim, though he often annoyed her.

Adverb Clauses of Purpose

These adverb clauses also answer the question WHY.

• So that: We need a microphone so that people in the back can hear us.
• In order that: He ate vegetables in order that he could stay healthy.

Adverb Clauses of Comparison

• Than: Natalie was prettier than her sister.
• As…as: Tom’s not as old as you, is he?

Adverb Clauses of Manner

These adverb clauses answer the question HOW.

• As if: Mandy looked as if she had seen a ghost.
• Just as: The room was decorated just as he had imagined.

Adverb Clauses of Result

• So…that: He was so weak that he could hardly stand up.
• Such…that: It’s such a tiny kitchenthat I don’t have to do much to keep it clean.