Adverb Clause: Kinds of Adverb clauses in full detail with Examples

What is an adverb clause?

An adverb clause or adverbial clause is a group of words that, together, functions as an adverb. This means that the clause describes or modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Adverb clauses are always dependent clauses. You will understand better with examples.

Study the examples:

1. I bought this pen because It writes well.
2. Ashish wore a mask so that no one would recognize him.
3. We will return home when the sun sets.
4. He works so sincerely that everybody praises him.
5. shanti is taller than I imagined.

The bolded with italicized parts are Adverb Clauses. They are connected to the main clauses with words like because, so that, that, then, etc. Which are called subordinating conjunctions or sub-ordinators. In the above examples, 1, 2 and 3 the adverb clauses modify the verb ‘bought’, ‘wore’ ‘return’ respectively. In examples 4 and 5 they modify the adverb ‘so sincerely’ and the adjective ‘taller’ respectively. They do the function of Adverbs. Hence, Adverb clauses modify ‘verbs’, ‘adjectives’ and ‘adverbs’.

Kinds of Adverb Clauses

There are 08 types of Adverbs Clauses. They are

1. Adverb Clause of Time:
2. Adverb Clauses of Place.
3. Adverb Clauses of Reason.
4. Adverb Clause of Purpose:
5. Adverb Clauses of manner:
6. Adverb Clauses of Comparison:
7. Adverb Clauses of condition:
8. Adverb Clauses of Concession:

Let’s study the kinds of adverb clauses one by one in detail with examples.

Adverb Clause of Time

1. It always rains after I have watered the plants in the garden.
2. I can’t clear up the dues until I get my salary.
3. My uncle came when I was studying.
4. Can I have any rest before you go?

The sub-ordinating conjunctions used with adverb clauses of Time are usually after/as/while/as soon as/ before/ by the time/ once/since/when/till/until/when.

Adverb Clauses of Place

1. They arrived where nobody had set foot before.
2. People followed him wherever he went.

The sub-ordinating conjunctions used with Adverb Clauses of Place are where, everywhere, wherever.

Adverb Clauses of Reason

1. Since no one asked me, I didn’t tell them.
2. As the weather is fine, we should enjoy it.
3. I couldn’t go to the exhibition because I was busy.
4. Because she was tired, she couldn’t finish her home task.

The sub-ordinating conjunctions used with Adverb Clauses of Reason are because, as, since.

Adverb Clause of Purpose

1. We keep food in the fridge so that I t remains fresh.
2. We shall let you know the details soon in order that you may/make the arrangements.
3. I wrote in my diary so that I wouldn’t forget.

The sub-ordinating conjunctions used with Adverb Clauses of purpose are so that, in order that.

Adverb Clauses of Manner

1. Do it as your teacher showed you.
2. She behaved as if/as though nothing had happened.
3. Rabi behaved, as he always does.

The sub-ordinating conjunctions used with adverb Clauses of Manner as, how etc.

Adverb Clauses of Comparison

1. The pupils worked harder than we thought.
2. The teacher explained better than the pupils hoped.
3. He sold more than the company expected.

The Adverb Clauses of comparison usually takes the sub-ordinating conjunction than.

Adverb Clauses of condition

In adverb clauses of condition, one thing happens if another condition is fulfilled.

1. If my friends come, we shall play.
2. Unless you work hard, you won’t get good marks.
3. Provided you are in need, we shall help you.
4. As long as you stay here, we shall be with you.

The sub-ordinating conjunctions used with an Adverb Clauses of Conditions are if, unless, as long as, provided etc.

Adverb Clauses of Concession

1. They studied hard although they were tired.
2. Whether you believe me or not, I speak the truth.

Adverb Clauses of Concession take sub-ordinating conjunctions such as although/though/even though/however/no matter/how /whether.

EXERCISE-10

Complete the sentences with an adverb clauses using the word(s) in brackets.

1. We reached home ………………………………………………………………………….(when)
2. Ramesh ran …………………………………………………………………………. (so fast that)
3. You would not succeed …………………………………………………………………………. (if)
4. He is honest …………………………………………………………………………. (although)
5. It stared drizzling …………………………………………………………………………. (when)
6. The sum isn’t as difficult ………………………………………………………………………….(as)
7. The pick-pocket behaved ………………………………………………………………………….(as if)
8. You should rest …………………………………………………………………………. (because)
9. My friends will come  …………………………………………………………………………. (even if)
10. He writes better …………………………………………………………………………. (than).

EXERCISE-11

Identify the adverb clauses and name them.

1. I was asleep when he returned.
2. I got up early so that I can set out before sunrise.
3. He speaks better than he writes.
4. Although he went to the market, he forgot to buy the vegetables.
5. If you meet Meera, tell her to see me.
6. Whether you join the picnic or not, you will have to pay the money.
7. Do as he does.
8. We went out to play as the weather was good.
9. You can’t cheat him even though he is very simple.

“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”

― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist