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 apredicate, and it modifies a verb.

• I saw Joe when I went to the store. (explicit subject I)
• 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 andQuirk,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 adverbial 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 himbecause 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 homethat the lid would not stay closed.
concessive 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.
clauses of manner	as, like, the way	These clauses are used to talk about someone's behaviour or the way something is done.	I was never allowed to do thingsas I wanted to do them.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverbial_clause


Exercisess.

A. Combine the following sentences using adverb clauses at the end of the sentence.

1. We watched the robins. They raised their young in our apple tree.


2. Becky read the book. It was recommended by a friend.


3. Dad donates his suits to charity. He has worn them a year.


4. The policemen delayed the drivers. The wrecks were cleared.


5. Ann ate an apple. She studied her vocabulary.

B. Combine the following sentences using adverb clauses at the beginning of the sentence.

1. Frank started medical training. He drove a forklift for a living.


2. The rains had started the mud slides. The homes were not safe to live in.


3. Older people love to sit in the park. They feed the birds and visit.


4. I enjoyed camping out. I was much younger.


5. Joe recognised the man. The man had stopped his car to help.

Suggested answers:

A.

1. We watched the robins while they raised their young in our apple tree.


2. Becky read the book since it was recommended by a friend.


3. Dad donates his suits to charity after he has worn them a year.


4. The policemen delayed the drivers until the wrecks were cleared.


5. Ann ate an apple as she studied her vocabulary.

B.

1. Before Frank started medical training, he drove a forklift for a living.


2. Because the rains had started the mud slides, the homes were not safe to live in.


3. While they feed the birds and visit, older people love to sit in the park.


4. When I was much younger, I enjoyed camping out.


5. After the man had stopped his car to help, Joe recognised him.

source : http://www.carmenlu.com/fifth/grammar/adverb_clauses5_1b.html