Adverb Clauses

What is an adverb clauses?

An adverb clause is a group of words that is used to change or qualify the meaning of an adjective, a verb, a clause, another adverb , or any other type of word or phrase with the exception of determiners and adjectives that directly modify nouns 

Definition of an Adverb Clause

According to the Collins Dictionary, an adverb clause is defined as “a subordinate clause that functions as an adverb within a main clause”. The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar defines an adverb clause as “any *clause (*finite, *non-finite, or *verbless) functioning as an adverbial.”

Adverb clauses always meet three requirements:

• First, an adverb clause always contains a subject and a verb.

• Second, adverb clauses contain subordinate conjunctions that prevent them from containing complete thoughts and becoming full sentences.

• Third, all adverb clauses answer one of the classic “adverb questions:” When? Why? How? Where?

How to Use Adverb Clauses?

Adverb clauses, as discussed earlier, can be used to provide information about when, where, under what conditions, how and why an action is taking place. They also give the reader a description of an adjective and an adverb. Always remember that an adverb clause begins with a subordinating conjunction like ‘after’, ‘whether’, ‘if’, ‘because’, ‘although’, ‘even though’, etc.

Adverb clauses can be found in the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a sentence. Let us look at some examples, and see how it works when used in the different parts of the sentence.

Examples of Adverb Clauses Used in the Beginning of a Sentence

When adverb clauses are used in the beginning of a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma. These clauses are often subordinate or dependent clauses and cannot stand on their own.

Examples:

• If you work hard, you will be able to score good grades.

• In case you like it, let us know.

• Although they drove really fast, they could not reach there in time.

• Before you make your decision, make sure you think this through.

• As soon as you meet her, call me.

Examples of Adverb Clauses Used in the Middle of a Sentence

Adverb clauses that appear in the middle of a sentence are enclosed within commas, and even if removed from the sentence, lets the sentence convey meaning.

Examples:

• My cousins, though they told us that they would not come for the movie, they somehow made it.

• He remembered, after he left the office, that he had not sent the EOD report.

• Remya, since she was not keeping well, decided not to go to work today and tomorrow.

• My friend, because he does not like working in the IT field, started his own company.

• Digital money, even though it has been made legal all around the world, is not accepted or considered safe by common people.

Examples of Adverb Clauses Used in the End of a Sentence

Whenever adverb clauses are used at the end of a sentence, it does not demand or require any sort of punctuation.

Examples:

• Aaron was made to practise the song for the competition until he sang it perfectly.

• Angel kept rambling on and on as if she wanted to prove that she is broke.

• The dog got so comfortable with my brother after he cuddled her for a while.