- Definition of an Adverb Clause
- Examples of Adverb Clauses Used in the Beginning of a Sentence
- Examples of Adverb Clauses Used in the Middle of a Sentence
- Examples of Adverb Clauses Used in the End of a Sentence
What Is an Adverb Clause?
An adverb clause, as the name suggests, is a clause that does all the functions of a normal adverb. One can identify an adverb clause by asking when, where, how, why and how often. To know how adverb clauses are actually defined, check out the dictionary definitions given below.
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.”
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
Here are some adverb clause examples to help you understand how adverb clauses can be effectively employed in your writing and speech.
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.
- We felt time was very slow because we were sitting idly.
- You will be able to go to the theatres to watch movies as long as there is no lockdown.
Test Your Understanding of Adverb Clauses
Identify the adverb clauses in the following sentences:
1. Diaz came first in the dance competition because he had practised for almost two months.
2. If you like it, you can take it.
3. Danny follows a strict diet in order to stay fit.
4. Unless he is interested in the plot of a movie, he does not watch it.
5. Hector, in order to reach school early, decided to take the metro today.
6. When the clock strikes twelve, you will have to stop writing.
7. Make sure you buy it only if you like it.
8. The football gallery at Loyola, where we used to sit and talk, has been demolished.
9. Although he finished working with his project, he continued to make corrections.
10. Those green shoes, even though they are too big for him, goes with his style.
Were you able to identify them? Let us find out if you got it right.
1. Diaz came first in the dance competition because he had practised for almost two months.
2. If you like it, you can take it.
3. Danny follows a strict diet in order to stay fit.
4. Unless he is interested in the plot of a movie, he does not watch it.
5. Hector, in order to reach school early, decided to take the metro today.
6. When the clock strikes twelve, you will have to stop writing.
7. Make sure you buy it only if you like it.
8. The football gallery at Loyola, where we used to sit and talk, has been demolished.
9. Although he finished working with his project, he continued to make corrections.
10. Those green shoes, even though they are too big for him, goes with his style.
Frequently Asked Questions on Adverb Clauses in English
What is an adverb clause?
An adverb clause, as the name suggests, is a clause that does all the functions of a normal adverb. One can identify an adverb clause by asking when, where, how, why and how often.
What is the 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.”
Give some examples of adverb clauses.
Given below are some examples of adverb clauses that you can refer to.
- The dog got so comfortable with my brother after he cuddled her for a while.
- We felt time was very slow because we were sitting idly.
- 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.
- Although they drove really fast, they could not reach there in time.
- Before you make your decision, make sure you think this through.
