Unit 4:

Adverb Clauses

What is an adverb clause ?

• An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a verb, and adjective, or an adverb. It is used to tell when, where, why, to what extent, or under what conditions. And adverb clause is usually introduced by a subordinating conjunction.

Examples:

• I’ll take a turn after Liana takes hers.

• Strike the iron while it is hot.

• You are taller than I thought.

• He ran so quickly that he soon overtook me.

• I shall wait here till you return.

• If you know her name, please tell me.

• I stop the work because I was very tired.

How many kinds of adverb clause?

• There are 8 kinds of adverb clauses

1. Adverb Clauses of Time2. Adverb Clauses of Place3. Adverb Clauses of Purpose4. Adverb Clauses of Cause or Reason5. Adverb Clauses of Condition6. Adverb Clauses of Result or Consequence7. Adverb Clauses of Comparison8. Adverb Clauses of Supposition or Concession

Adverb clauses

1. Adverb Clauses of Time

• Adverb Clauses of Time are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions when, whenever, while, after, before, since etc.

Examples :- When you have finished your home work, you may go home.- I will do it when I think fit.- Don’t talk while she is singing.- He came after night had fallen.- Do it before you forget.

2. Adverb Clauses of Place

• Adverb Clauses of Place are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunctions where and wherever.

Examples:

- I have put it where I can find it again.

- They can stay where they are.

- Where you live I will live.

- He led the caravan wherever he wanted to go.

- You can put it wherever you like.

3. Adverb Clauses of Purpose

• Adverb Clauses of Purpose are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunctions so that, in order that and lest. (In order that and lest are used in a formal style.)

Examples:

- I will give you the map so that you can find the way.

- He came to Cambodia so that he might marry a Cambodian girl.

- She started early lest she should avoid delay.

- He worked hard to earn money in order that he might make his wife happy.

4. Adverb Clauses of Cause or Reason

• Adverb Clauses of Cause or Reason are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunctions because, as, since.

Examples :

- Because I like you, I shall help you.

- Since you are so clever, you will be able to explain this.

- As I love you, I can do anything for you.

- I did it because I wanted to.

5. Adverb Clauses of Condition

• Adverb Clauses of Condition are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunctions if, whether, unless.

Examples:

- If it rains, we shall stay at home.

- You must go whether you hear from him or not.

- Unless you work harder, you will fail

- Unless you tell her about your love, she won’t know it.

6. Adverb Clauses of Result or Consequence

• Adverb Clauses of Result or Consequence are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunctions that. Frequently so or such precedes it in the Principal Clause.

Examples:

- He is such a good man that all respect him.

- He spoke in such a low voice that few could hear him.

- Vida was so beautiful that I loved her at first sight.

- It was so small I could not see it. (In formal)

7. Adverb Clauses of Comparison

• Adverb Clauses of Comparison are of two kinds:

Adverb Clauses of Comparison of Degree

Adverb Clauses of Manner

Adverb Clauses of Comparison of Degree

• Adverb Clauses of Comparison of Degree are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunction than, or by the relative adverb as; as.

Examples:

- He is older than he looks

- It is later than I thought.

- He is as stupid as he is lazy.

- He is not so clever as you think.

Adverb Clauses of Manner

• Adverb Clauses of Manner are introduced by the Relative Adverb; as,

Examples:

- It all ended as I expected.

- As he has lived so will he die.

- As the twig is bent the branch will grow.

- You may do as you please.

8. Adverb Clauses of Supposition or Concession

• Adverb Clauses of Supposition or Concession are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunctions though, although, even if.

• Examples:

- Thought I am poor, I am honest.

- Although I forbade this, you have done it.

- I would not do it even if you paid me.

- Even if it rains, I shall come.