Adverbial clause
An adverbial clause is a dependent
clause that
functions as an adverb.
In other words, it contains a subject (explicit or implied) and a predicate, and it modifies a verb.
- I saw Joe when I went to the store. (explicit subject 2)
- 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 these functions they are like adverbial
phrases, but due to their potentiality for greater explicitness, they are
more often like prepositional phrases (Greenbaum and Quirk,1990):
- We left after the speeches ended. (adverbial clause)
- We left after the end of the speeches. (adverbial prepositional phrase)
Contrast adverbial clauses with adverbial
phrases, which do not contain a clause.
- I like to fly kites for fun.
Adverbial clauses modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs.
For example:
- Hardly had I reached the station when the train started to leave the platform.
The adverbial clause in this sentence is "when the
train started to leave the platform" because it is a subordinate clause and because it has the
trigger word (subordinate conjunction) "when".
Kinds of adverb clauses
kind of clause
|
common conjunctions
|
function
|
example
|
time clauses
|
when, before, after, since,
while, as, as long as, until,till, etc. (conjunctions that answer the
question "when?"); hardly, scarcely, no sooner, etc.
|
These clauses are used
to say when something happens by referring to a period of time or to another
event.
|
Her goldfish died when
she was young.
|
conditional clauses
|
if, unless, lest
|
These clauses are used
to talk about a possible or counterfactual situation and its consequences.
|
If they lose weight
during an illness, they soon regain it
afterwards.
|
purpose clauses
|
in order to, so that,
in order that
|
These clauses are used
to indicate the purpose of an action.
|
They had to take some
of his land so that they could extend the churchyard.
|
reason clauses
|
because, since, as,
given
|
These clauses are used
to indicate the reason for something.
|
I couldn't feel anger
against him because I liked him too much.
|
result clauses
|
so...that
|
These clauses are used
to indicate the result of something.
|
My suitcase had become so
damaged on the journey home that the lid would not stay closed.
|
concession clauses
|
although, though, while
|
These clauses are used
to make two statements, one of which contrasts with the other or makes it
seem surprising.
|
I used to read a lot although
I don't get much time for books now.
|
place clauses
|
where, wherever,
anywhere, everywhere, etc. (conjunctions that answer the question
"where?")
|
These clauses are used
to talk about the location or position of something.
|
He said he was happy where
he was.
|
Clause of Comparison
|
as
|
Adverb as is a clause
which states comparison.
|
Johan can speak English
as fluently as his teacher.
|
clauses of manner
|
as, like, the way
|
These clauses are used to
talk about someone's behavior or the way something is done.
|
I was never allowed to
do things as I wanted to do them.They also Answer the question ,
"How".
|
Example :
Time :
- when
- when
You
were sleeping when she arrived.
- Before
Before she comes,
she will turn off the mobile phone.
- After
After the chores are done, we will eat chicken.
- Since
since his diet, he reduces the share of food
- while
andy pergi ke sekolah,sementara
andry pergi ke kampus
conditional clause :
- If
- If
if he studied, then its value will be good
- Unless
andy will be fat again, unless she diets
Purpose Clauses :
- So that
- So that
andy jogging every
day, so she was
already losing weight
- In order to
He ate vegetables in
order tostay healthy.
- In
order that
He is going to
make a registration in order that he can take course.
Reason Clauses :
- Because
- Because
because he learned, he succeeded
- Since
since andre dating him, now the money was gone
- As
he was not the
school, as the reason he was sick
Result Clauses :
- sooo…that
My suitcase had become sodamaged on
the journey home thatthe lid would not stay closed.
Concession Clauses :
- Although
- Although
even though he was sick, he still school
- Even
though
Even though you are 11, you can’t go to that movie.
- Though
Though he is poor, he is stronger.
Place Clauses :
- Where
- Where
where there andy, there fadel
-
Wherever
wherever there is food, there must be a beverage
-
Anywhere
wherever there is a field, there must be a ball
-
Everywhere
Everywhere she goes, she brings a foods.
Clause of Comparison
:
- As...as
- As...as
Johan
can speak English as fluently as his teacher.
Clauses of Manner :
- As
- As
shy was never allowed to do things as shy wanted to do
them
- As
if
he went, as if there is no problem
-
As though
shy
cried as though shy is in pain.
