Mastering Adverbial Clauses: Tips and Tricks for Understanding

Unraveling the differences between adverbial clauses and adverb clauses can be puzzling. However, with a few helpful pointers, you can easily grasp the concept of adverbial clauses and distinguish them from similar terms.

A Quick Overview of Clauses

Before diving into the specifics of adverbial clauses, it's important to have a general understanding of clauses. A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a predicate. There are two types of clauses: independent and dependent. An independent clause can function as a sentence on its own, while a dependent clause cannot.

Defining Adverbial Clauses

An adverbial clause, also known as an adverb clause, is a dependent clause that serves as an adverb. It can replace a single adverb in a sentence, but always needs an independent clause to complete its meaning. This sets it apart from adverbial phrases, which also act as adverbs but do not contain a subject and predicate.

Different Types of Adverbial Clauses

There are nine main types of adverbial clauses, each serving a specific purpose. These include clauses of time, place, manner, reason, condition, result, concession, purpose, and comparison.

Time

An adverb clause of time indicates when something happens. Common time adverb clauses start with words like "when", "before", "after", "as soon as", "whenever", "while", and "until". For example:

"Let me know when you're finished with work."

Place

An adverb clause of place indicates the location of an event. These clauses begin with words like "where" and "wherever". For example, it's your birthday, so we'll go wherever you want for lunch. The old wooden floor showed visible signs of wear and tear where it was constantly stepped on. We asked her to find us at our current location. You will most likely find the missing keys wherever you last saw them.

Manner

An adverb clause of manner explains the way in which an action is performed. These clauses start with words like "like," "as if," "as though," and "so...that". For example, they reacted just as I had predicted. You acted so calm, as if the stress had no effect on you. My dog looked at me guiltily, as though she had done something wrong. I was so desperate for ice cream that I bought five gallons.

Condition

An adverb clause of condition states the prerequisite for an event to take place. These clauses begin with words like "if," "as long as," "whether," and "unless". For example, if I am unable to make it to the pharmacy on time, could you please pick up my prescription? I am auditioning for the musical, whether you approve or not. Unless we take these rehearsals seriously, the musical will be a disaster. As long as he stays hydrated, he will be safe on his hiking trip.

Purpose

An adverb clause of purpose highlights the intention behind an action. These clauses begin with words like "so," "so that," "in order for," and "that". For example, you should request the day off so that your absence doesn't count against you. In order for us to afford a new car, we must start saving now. I am calling you so that I can remind you about the basketball game today. I tried to come in quietly so that I wouldn't wake up the baby.

Reason

An adverb clause of reason explains the cause behind an event. These clauses begin with words like "because," "since," "that," and "as". For example, I was late because I got into a car accident. They were just angry because you forgot their birthday. The judge didn't believe her, as she had already lied twice before. Since you are no longer attending the concert, I guess I won't either.

Comparison

An adverb clause of comparison draws a contrast between two clauses. These clauses begin with words such as "as," "than," and "like". For example, she finished the tacos faster than I could cook them. Just like Maria did last week, you accidentally set the printer on fire. You guarded the goal like a protective bear defends its cubs. You decorate cakes better than these contestants do.

Understanding Adverbial Clauses and How to Identify Them

Have you ever wondered which word in a sentence is receiving additional information from a particular clause? This is where adverbial clauses come in. These dependent clauses act as adverbs, providing more information about a verb, adjective, or adverb. Let's take a closer look at how to identify and understand adverbial clauses.

What is an Adverbial Clause?

An adverbial clause can modify verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and even nouns. It begins with subordinating conjunctions like "although," "while," "despite," and "though." For example, "Despite the announcer getting punched in the face during the show, I thought it went well." In this sentence, the adverbial clause "despite the announcer getting punched in the face during the show" modifies the main clause "I thought it went well."

Identifying Adverbial Clauses

To determine if a clause is an adverbial clause, ask yourself which word it is providing additional information for. If the answer is a verb, adjective, or adverb, then it is an adverbial clause. For instance, in the sentence "If you bring me my wallet, I will give you money for the groceries," the clause "if you bring me my wallet" modifies the verb "give."

However, adverbial clauses can also modify nouns, as in "The city where I used to live is hosting the Olympics." In this sentence, the clause "where I used to live" modifies the noun "city" and is therefore an adjectival clause.

Types of Adverbial Clauses

There are nine major types of adverbial clauses: time, place, manner, condition, purpose, reason, comparison, concession, and result. Each type answers a specific question, such as "when," "where," "how," or "why." For example, "When does something happen?" is answered by a time adverbial clause, while "Why does something happen?" is answered by a reason adverbial clause.

Key Takeaways:

• An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that acts as an adverb.
• It can modify verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and nouns.
• There are nine major types of adverbial clauses: time, place, manner, condition, purpose, reason, comparison, concession, and result.
• Identify an adverbial clause by determining which word it modifies.
• Determine the type of adverbial clause by asking which question it answers.

Source: Sarah Hopkins Bradford, Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman, 1869.