Adverbial Clause - Definition, Types and Examples
Adverbial Clause in Grammar
An adverbial clause like noun and adjective clauses is a type of dependent or subordinate clause. Adverbial clauses are one of the most frequently used clauses in English. As much importance should be given to learn them as is dedicated to learning its sisters, noun and adjective clauses.
In this article, we've touched on:
1. Adverbial clause - meaning and definition
2. Adverbial clause examples
3. How to identify adverbial clause?
4. Types of adverbial clause with examples
5. Adverbial clause exercises
6. FAQs on adverbial clauses
Note:- If you're not sure about clauses and their types, click on HERE to learn.
Adverbial Clause - Meaning and Definition
YourDictionary defines adverbial clauses as "Adverb clauses, also known as adverbial clauses, are dependent clauses that function as adverbs. This means that adverb clauses have a subject and a verb and serve the purpose of describing an adjective, a verb, or another adverb.".
From the definition above, we can conclude that:
1. An adverbial is also known as adverb clause.
2. It is a dependent or subordinate clause.
3. Unlike a phrase, it contains a subject and a verb.
4. It functions as an adverb.
5. Like an adverb, it describes an adjective, verb or another adverb.
6. As a dependent clause, it is connected to the independent clause with subordinating conjunctions.
Adverbial Clause Examples
a. John takes a nap after he returns to his house from his college.
b. Before you set off to your school, remember to phone me.
c. I used to play football when I was at school.
The clauses in bold are adverbial clauses which describe the verbs, take, remember and play in the independent clause.
How to Identify Adverbial Clause?
To identify an adverbial clause, carefully follow the below-given steps.
Step 1. Look at the clause carefully in the sentence. (in order to make sure it contains a subject and a verb.)
Step 2. Look for subordinating conjunctions such as before, after, when, etc. (because an adverbial clause begins with a subordinating conjunction.)
Step 3. Look at the function of the clause in the sentence. (if it modifies a verb, an adjective or another adverb in the independent clause.)
Step 4. Find out if the clause shows time, place, reason, purpose, manner, condition, concession and comparison like an adverb does.
If a group of words (clause) satisfies all the conditions mentioned above, then it's an adverbial clause.
Types of Adverbial Clause with Examples
Like adverbs, adverbial clauses are used to show time, place, reason, purpose, manner, condition, concession, comparison, etc. The below-given are the types of adverbial clauses with examples.
1. Adverbial clause of time
An adverbial clause shows the time when an action expressed by the verb in the independent clause takes place.
The action verb is italicized and the adverbial clause is in bold.
Examples:
a. I'll phone you after I finish doing my homework.
b. John plays football before he goes to school.
2. Adverbial clause of placeAn adverbial clause of place describes the place where the action takes place.
Examples:
a. I'll meet you today where we met yesterday.
b. He'll find you wherever you are.
3. Adverbial clause of reasonAn adverbial clause of reason tells us the reason why the action in the independent clause takes place.
Examples:
a. Because he will attend an important meeting today, he cannot attend the class.
b. John couldn't phone you since he was engaged in his study.
4. Adverbial clause of purposeAn adverbial clause of purpose shows the purpose of the action in the independent clause.
Examples:
a. Many study so that they can get a job.
b. Living beings eat so that they live.
5. Adverbial clause of mannerAn adverbial clause of manner shows how the action in the independent clause takes place.
Examples:
a. Do as I say.
b. Please sing as you want.
6. Adverbial clause of conditionAn adverbial clause of condition shows the action in the independent clause will take place on the condition of another action.
Examples:
a. I'll go with you if you buy me a watch.
b. You can call me if you miss the bus.
7. Adverbial clause of concessionAn adverbial clause of concession shows that the action in the independent clause takes place in spite of a difficulty or hindrance to it.
Examples:
a. Although he is ill, he will attend the class.
b. I'll go to the market even if it rains today.
8. Adverbial clause of comparisonAn adverbial clause of comparison shows comparison between two verbs.
Examples:
a. She likes you more than I do.
b. It is tougher than I expected.
Adverbial Clause Exercises
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is an adverbial clause example?
An adverbial clause is a type of dependent clause that contains a subject and a verb and that describes an adjective, a verb or another adverb.
Adverbial Clause Examples
a. John takes a nap after he returns to his house from his college.
b. Before you set off to your school, remember to phone me.
c. I used to play football when I was at school.
How do you identify an adverbial clause?
To identify an adverbial clause, carefully follow the below-given steps.
Step 1. Look at the clause carefully in the sentence. (in order to make sure it contains a subject and a verb.)
Step 2. Look for subordinating conjunctions such as before, after, when, etc. (because an adverbial clause begins with a subordinating conjunction.)
Step 3. Look at the function of the clause in the sentence. (if it modifies a verb, an adjective or another adverb in the independent clause.)
4. Find out if the clause shows time, place, reason, purpose, manner, condition, concession and comparison like an adverb does.
If a group of words (clause) satisfies all the conditions mentioned above, then it's an adverbial clause.
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