Adverb Clauses
Adverb clauses are clauses that function as adverbs. Since they are dependent clauses, they must have a
subordinating conjunction to connect them to the other clause. Subordinating conjunctions can be arranged
according to the purpose of the clause they begin. Here are some examples of subordinating conjunctions:
Time: after, when, until, soon, before, once, while, as soon as, whenever, by the time
Condition: if, whether or not, provided, in case, unless, even if, in the event
Cause, reason, purpose: because, as, since, so, in order that, now that, so that
Contrast, concession: though, although, while, whereas, even though, even if
Place: where, wherever
Manner: as, as if
Comparison: as, than
Result: sothat, suchthat
Most of the time, an adverb clause will be separated from the other clause with a comma. Here are a few
examples of sentences with and without commas:
Whether you like it or not, you have to go. (The adverb clause Whether you like it or not puts a
condition on the action.)
She enjoyed the party more than he did. (The adverb clause than he did modifies the adverb
more.)
Please remember, if you can, to meet me tomorrow at nine. (The adverb clause if you can gives
condition on the action.
There are some conjunctions which are always preceded by commas: although, even though, though, even if,
no matter if, as (cause), since (cause), whereas, while (contrast).
Functions of Adverbs
Since adverb clauses function as adverbs, lets look at the functions of adverbs. Adverbs modify verbs,
adjectives, and other adverbs. They tell why, when, where, how, how much, and how often an action
occurs. They can begin a sentence that is a question, and give more information. Here are some examples
according to what the adverb is modifying:
Verbs: We eat pizza weekly. She watched the wild animal carefully.
Adjectives: That is a very nice person. The dog is extremely hyperactive.
Adverbs: She sings quite beautifully. My dog is almost always starving.
Result: The book was so interesting that I read it in one evening. It was such an interesting book
thatAs
I read
it in
one evening.
you
look
at the types of adverbial clause / adverb
clause on top, you see that if is used as the conjunction.
It means, Conditional sentence or If clause is also Adverb
Clause.