The adverbial clause contains a subject and a verb and functions as an adverb that modifies verb, adjective, or another adverb. It adds extra information about the time, place, manner, etc to a sentence. As a dependent clause, it cannot stand on its own, but must be connected to the main clause (or independent clause) to form a complete sentence. The adverbial clause starts with a subordinating conjunction and may come before or after the main clause. When it comes before the main clause, a comma is used to separate the two clauses. When it comes after the main clause, no comma is necessary.
Examples:
- He shook my hand before he died.
- He ate the whole, big pizza although he said he was full..
- The wife now sleeps in another room because the husband snores loudly.
- My best friend, Bill and I once fought bravely against each other when we were classmates.
The adverbial clause is placed in the beginning or at the end of a sentence.
In the beginning:
Examples:
- Unless you learn to keep quiet, I shall not go to the library with you.
- While her father was asleep, his little daughter shot his face with a water pistol.
- As soon as we heard the news, all of us cried.
At the end (using the same subordinating conjunctions):
Examples:
- The eldest daughter doesn’t help with housework unless she is paid.
- Mum alone is doing the cooking while the children wait to eat.
- He snores when he falls asleep.
When the adverb clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, a comma is required after the adverb clause.
Examples:
- When we were classmates, Bill and I once fought bravely against each other.
- Since we have caught no fish for dinner, we may decide to buy some at the market.
- Whenever he visits his mother-in-law, he always brings along a magazine to read.
The adverbial clause performs different functions. For example, it shows the time, place, manner, etc of an occurrence.
Clauses of time – These clauses show when something happens.
Examples:
- He's not honest as he claims to be.
- Before he drew his last breath, he shook my hand.
- When she heard the news, she wept tears of joy. .
Clauses of place – These clauses show where something is or happens.
Conjunctions used in clauses of place anywhere, everywhere, where, wherever.
Examples:
- Everywhere we went, the wind kept blowing sand into our faces.
- That is the farm where I saw a lot of scorpions.
- She brings along an umbrella wherever she goes.
Clauses of manner – These clauses show the way something is done.
Examples:
- As I have told you a hundred times, don’t disturb that hornets.
- She looked pale as though she had seen a few ghosts.
- He treats his dog like his own brother.
Clauses of purpose – These clauses show the purpose of doing something.
Examples:
- Let me remind you lest you forget that you still owe me ten dollars.
- In order to make the soup taste good, she added too much salt..
- Please be quiet so I can sleep..
Clauses of reason – These clauses show why something happens.
Examples:
-
As we were both tired, we agreed to stop playing.
- She got stung because she went too close to the wasp’s nest.
- Since there are no dishes under ten dollars, let’s get out of here.
Clauses of condition – These clauses show a possible situation.
Examples:
- If he were not such a heavy smoker, he would be alive today.
- I will dine with you, provided you pay the bill.
- I’m going to take away your television unless you pay me back the money.
Examples:
- Despite her parents’ objections, she insisted on driving fast.
- The wife is fat and short, while the husband is skinny and tall.
- Why good people die young, whereas bad ones live longer?