In this post, you will learn everything about an adverb phrase in detail. There is a video lesson attached at the end of the post; you can directly scroll down to it and watch it.
What is an adverb clause in English?
Adverb clause definition: An adverb clause, also known as an adverbial clause, is a dependent clause that works as an adverb in a sentence. It modifies the main verb and tells us WHY, WHEN, WHERE, and HOW an action happens. Since it is a dependent clause, it starts with a subordinating conjunction.
Hereâs a list of subordinating conjunctions that are used in adverb clauses when they answer the following questions:
| HOW | as if, provided, like |
| WHY | since, as, because, so, because of, now that, given that, so that, that |
| WHEN | when, whenever, after, before, since, until, while, as soon as, by the time, once |
| WHERE | where, anywhere, everywhere |
Note that an adverb clause is commonly known as an adverbial clause as it is not a regular adverb but functions as an adverb in a sentence.
Examples:
- She left the job because she was unhappy with the new management.
(The adverb clause âbecause she was unhappy with the new managementâ answers WHY the action happened: she left the job.)
- They will meet us where we used to play cricket.
(The adverb clause âwhere we used to play cricketâ answers WHERE the action will happen.)
- The kids can watch TV after they finish their homework.
(The adverb clause âafter they finish the homeworkâ answers WHEN the action can happen.)
- They were kissing in the park as if nobody was there.
(The adverb clause âas if nobody was thereâ answers HOW the action was happening: kissing.)
- We will let him play if he passes the fitness test.
- (The adverb clause âIf he passes the fitness testâ tells us in what condition the main verb happens.)
Types of adverb clauses
- Adverb clause of place
- Adverb clause of time
- Adverb clause of reason/purpose
- Adverb clause of contrast
- Adverb clause of condition
Adverb Clause of Place
An adverb clause of place answers the question WHERE; it tells us the place of an action.
Conjunctions used: where, anywhere, everywhere
Examples:
- He will meet us where we used to party back in the day.
- You can park your car anywhere you want.
- I see you everywhere I go.
- Itâs my house. You can sleep anywhere you want.
- My dog koto follows me wherever I go.
Adverb Clause of Time
An adverb clause of time modifies a verb and tells us WHEN it takes place.
Conjunctions used: after, before, until, by the time, as soon as, when, whenever, since
Examples:
- I will call you after the meeting gets over.
- Make sure you come back to your seat before the boss arrives here.
- Everyone started crying as soon as I gave my resignation.
- She gets mad whenever I call her Poopoo.
- I havenât seen my friend Ronny since we had an argument at a party.
- We will have left by the time you come back home.
Adverb Clause of Reason/Purpose
An adverb clause of reason/purpose modifies a verb and tells us WHY the action happens. It tells us the reason or the purpose of the action.
Conjunctions used: Because, since, as, so, so that, that
Examples:
- Jon quit the job because he was not happy with his salary.
- We didnât celebrate his birthday as one of our friends had a brutal accident.
- Since it was pouring down rain, we did not move out.
- He is working day and night so that his family can live happily.
- She was happy that we came out to support her.
Adverb Clause of Contrast
An adverb clause of contrast modifies a verb by giving contrasting information.
Conjunctions used: Though, although, even though
Examples:
- Though he had a high fever, he continued working.
- The beggar gave me the only burger he had although he was hungry.
- Even though she is famous and beautiful, Iâll not marry her.
- The company didnât consider his application though he performed better than all the other candidates for the job.
- We were thrown out of the hall though we all had entry passes.
Adverb Clause of Condition
An adverb clause of condition modifies a verb by telling in what condition it happens.
Conjunctions used: If, only if, unless
Examples:
- If you apologize to her, I will let you work here.
- They will not return your car unless you pay the loan.
- My father promised to buy me a bike if I pass the upcoming test.
- If it rains today, we will go out and dance.
Composition of an adverb clause
We need the following three components, at least, to form an adverb clause:
- Subordinating conjunction (from the above list)
- Subject (noun/pronoun)
- Verb
Iâll call you when I get free.
Subordinating conjunction = when
Subject = I
Verb = get
Compliment = free
If a dependent clause consisting any of the above subordinating conjunctions and a subject-verb combination modifies a verb by telling its place, time, reason, concession, and condition, it is called an adverb or adverbial clause as it works just like an adverb.
How to find an adverb clause in a sentence?
If any part in a sentence (consisting a subordinating conjunction and a subject-verb combination) gives information about the main verb of the sentence, itâs an adverb clause or adverbial clause.
To be more specific, if a clause tells us about the time, place, reason, purpose, condition, or concession of the main verb, itâs an adverb clause.
Try finding out the adverb clauses in the following examples, if any:
- Iâll return his money as soon as I get my salary credited.
- She will get married when she is ready.
- If they really love you, theyâll come here to see you.
- He failed the test though he had prepared well.
- My mother comes with me wherever I go.
Adverbs clauses:
- As soon as I get my salary credited (talking about the time when the main verb âreturnâ happens)
- When she is ready (modifying the main verb by telling us the time when it happens)
- If they really love you (giving information about the main verb in terms of a condition)
- Though he had prepared well (modifying the main verb by giving contrasting information about it)
- Wherever I go (modifying the main verb and telling where the main verb happens)
NOTE: ask âwhen/where/why/howâ to the main verb to find out the adverb clause.
An adverb clause also modifies an adjective
An adverb clause generally modifies a verb, but it can also modify an adjective. Study the following examples:
- He was sad that he couldnât come to my birthday party. (modifying the adjective âsadâ)
- The teacher was angry that we didnât perform well in the exam. (modifying the adjective âangryâ)
Adverb clauses and commas
When adverb clauses come at the beginning of a sentence, it is best to use a comma after it. The comma makes it clear where the adverb clause is ending. study the following examples:
- After the match ends, we will have a party.
- If he becomes the team leader, everyone will be happy.
But when adverb clauses come at the end of a sentence, thereâs no need to use a comma.
- We will have a party after the match ends.
- Everyone will be happy if he becomes the team leader.
Important points to note:
1. Adverb clauses start with subordinating conjunctions such as when, after, before, if, as as soon as, though, becauseâŠ
2. Adverb clauses modify the main verbs by telling us WHEN, WHERE, HOW, & WHY the action happens.
3. Adverb clauses are also called adverbial clauses as they function adverbially.
Now, we know everything about an adverb clause and its types. Feel free to share your question, doubt, or feedback in the comment section, and also, share the post with the people that need it.
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FAQs
What is adverb clause examples with answers? âș
An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that modifies the main verb in the independent clause. Adverbial clauses always start with a subordinating conjunction and must connect to an independent clause to make sense. For example: Even if I take the train, I still might be late to my appointment.
What are the 10 examples of adverb clause? âș- Even when I'm sick.
- When you have finished working.
- Whenever you like.
- Wherever we prefer.
- Since I returned from vacation.
- As she was not there.
- Since you always do well.
- Before entering high school.
Adverbial clauses of time. Adverbial clauses of purpose. Adverbial clauses of comparison (of degree and manner) Adverbial clause of concession.
What are 5 examples of adverb clause of condition? âș- If I like it, I will buy it.
- If you heat ice, it melts.
- If it rains, we will stay at home.
- You may come, if you want to.
- You won't pass unless you work hard.
- You will be shot unless you give me the keys of the locker.
- There will be no problem provided that you keep your mouth shut.
An adverb clause, as the name suggests, is a clause that does all the functions of a normal adverb. One can identify an adverb clause by asking when, where, how, why and how often.
What are the 3 parts of an adverb clause? âșAdverbial clauses contain a subject, a predicate, and a subordinating conjunction.
What is an example sentence of an adverb clause of purpose? âșAdverb clauses of purpose are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions that, so that, in order that and lest. We eat that we may live. He works hard so that he will become a millionaire. Put on your warm clothes lest you should catch a chill.
What is the rule for adverbs? âșAn adverb is a word that modifies (describes) a verb (âhe sings loudlyâ), an adjective (âvery tallâ), another adverb (âended too quicklyâ), or even a whole sentence (âFortunately, I had brought an umbrella.â). Adverbs often end in -ly, but some (such as fast) look exactly the same as their adjective counterparts.
What is an example of an adverb clause at the end of a sentence? âșAdverb Clause at the End of a Sentence
Give us a call when you get back from your trip. We need to find the bar where they asked us to wait. The fireworks show will start after the sun goes down. The cat made herself at home in the apartment as if she had always lived there.
- Exploring English Grammar Clauses for Clearer Writing.
- Independent Clause.
- Subordinate Clause.
- Adjective Clause.
- Adverbial Clause.
- Noun Clause.
- Relative Clause.
- Conditional Clause.
What are the 5 types of adverb? âș
- Adverbs of manner.
- Adverbs of time.
- Adverbs of place.
- Adverbs of frequency.
- Adverbs of degree.
- Conjunctive adverbs.
An adverb clause is a dependent clause that describes a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. An adverb clause tells when, where, how, why, to what extent, or under what conditions something happened. We will not have school today because it snowed last night. Until it stops raining, we will stay inside.
What are relative adverb clauses examples? âșRelative adverbs provide an alternative to more formal structures containing a preposition and which. For example: That's the restaurant in which we met. = That's the restaurant where we.
What is adverb with example? âșIf it's modifying a noun or a pronoun, it's an adjective. If it's modifying anything else, it's an adverb. For example, in the sentence âDon't drive fast,â the word âfastâ is an adverb because it's modifying the verb âdrive.â
What is a adjective clause example? âșAn adjective clause is a group of words consisting of a noun and/or a verb preceded by a relative pronoun that modifies the subject or object in the sentence. Eg: The children are very smart. Eg: The children of this generation are very smart. Eg: The children who belong to this generation are very smart.
What does an adverb clause look like? âșAn adverbial clause (or adverb clause) is a clause containing a subject and verb that acts as an adverb to modify the main clause of a sentence. Adverbial clauses are connected to the main clause of a sentence using subordinating conjunctions (e.g., âbecause,â âsince,â âbefore,â âalthough,â âso thatâ).
What are three adverb sentences examples? âșShe was walking slowly. My friend and I ran quickly to get the bus. He stopped the car abruptly. My grandfather smiled cheerfully.
How many rules of adverb are there? âșThere are three forms of adverbs: adverbs formed by adding -ly to an adjective, adverbs that share identical words with an adjective, and adverbs not derived from an adjective or any other word.
What are 4 adverbs that tell when? âșSome adverbs that tell when are first, soon, always, early, next, today, later, tomorrow, and then. Read the sentences below.
How do you write adverbs in a sentence? âș- Adverb at the beginning of a sentence, modifying the whole sentence: "Clearly, my teacher needed spring break more than I did."
- Adverb at the end of a sentence, modifying a verb: "She asked me to help, and I did so gladly."
What are the rules for clauses? âș
A clause is a combination of words that makes up a sentence. It consists of a subject and a predicate. It can also be said that a clause should have a subject and a verb.
How do you identify a clause type? âș- Noun clause: To identify whether a dependent clause is a noun clause, see if you can replace the clause with a pronoun (he/she/it/them) or noun.
- Adjective clause/relative clause: An adjective clause takes the place of an adjective in a clause or phrase.
The two different types of clauses in English are the Independent clause and the Dependent clause. The independent clause is also referred to as the principal clause. It has a subject as well as a verb, and it can also be used as a sentence.
What are the 7 types of adverbs with examples? âș| Types of Adverb | Example |
|---|---|
| Adverb of Time | Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today, Now, Then, etc. |
| Adverb of Quantity and Range | Entirely, Partially, Extremely, Barely, Deeply, Absolutely, etc. |
| Adverb of Number and Frequency | Always, Sometimes, Frequently, Often, Usually, Rarely, etc. |
abnormally absentmindedly accidentally actually adventurously afterwards almost always annually anxiously arrogantly awkwardly bashfully beautifully bitterly bleakly blindly blissfully boastfully boldly bravely briefly brightly briskly broadly busily calmly carefully carelessly cautiously certainly cheerfully clearly ...
What are 7 examples of adverb? âșSome adverbs commonly used to express this are; âquickly,â âquietly,â âfast,â âslowly,â âimmediately,â âsimultaneously,â âloudly,â âangrily,â âcarefully,â âeagerly,â âeasily,â âenergetically,â âhappily,â âslowly,â âwistfully,â etc.
What is an adverb clause purpose examples? âș- We eat that we may live.
- He works hard so that he will become a millionaire.
- Put on your warm clothes lest you should catch a chill.
- Schools were closed early in order that students might reach home before the thunderstorm.
An adverb is a word that modifies (describes) a verb (âhe sings loudlyâ), an adjective (âvery tallâ), another adverb (âended too quicklyâ), or even a whole sentence (âFortunately, I had brought an umbrella.â).
What is an adverb clause examples with while? âșAdverb clauses of time are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions while, after, whenever, before, since, as, till, until etc. While you were playing I was working. Don't use the cell phone while you are driving. As I was walking down the street, I saw James driving a Porsche.
How do you form an adverb clause? âșAn adverb clause contains a subject and a verb. However, it cannot be a complete thought because, just as all dependent clauses, it begins with a subordinating conjunction. The presence of the three parts: subject, verb, and subordinating conjunction, creates an adverb clause.
What are 8 examples of adverbs? âș
Very, too, extremely, much, more, most, little, less, incredibly, totally, greatly, hardly, deeply, barely, etc. Conjunctive Adverbs: Conjunctive adverbs perform a little differently from the other types of adverbs.
What is the adverb clause of time? âșAn adverb clause of time shows when something happens. It is usually introduced by time adverbs. Examples are: before, after, as, when, while, until, as soon as, since, no sooner than, as long as etc. Note that all adverb clauses are subordinate clauses.
What is an example of a clause? âșA clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb. For example: The dog barks when the postman arrives.