4 Ijesha Close, Ilupeju, Lagos
+2348 097 685 118

Adverbial Clauses

  • An adverbial clause performs the function of an adverb in a sentence.
    • The girl came later (adverb)
    • The girl came when the meeting had already ended (adverbial clause)
  • An adverbial clause can be grouped into six main types:
    • Time,
    • Place,
    • Manner/degree/comparison,
    • Reason/cause,
    • Purpose/result, and
    • Concession/condition
  1. Adverbial Clause of Time: An adverbial clause of time indicates when the action of the verb in the main clause took place. The adverbial clause of time may be introduced by such subordinating conjunction as: as, until, before, since, after, etc. For example:
    1. The robber ran for dear life, when the police opened fire
    2. Before he went to study at higher institution, John had already put in five years service with the Research council
  2. Adverbial Clause of Place: This indicates where the action of the verb in the main clause took place or where it is to take place. The adverbial clause of place may be introduced by where, wherever, etc. For example:
    1. Drop the book where no one will tamper with it
    2. The stray dog goes wherever it pleases
  3. Adverbial Clause of Manner/Comparison/Degree: This indicates how or to what degree the action of the verb in the main clause took place. For example:
    1. James drove as if his life depended on it
    2. Jack is much younger than he appears to be
  4. Adverbial Clause of Purpose: An adverbial clause of purpose indicates the purpose or result of an action described by the verb in the main clause. The adverbial clause of purpose may be introduced by: in order, that, so that, lest, such that, etc. For example:
    1. He placed a paper-weight on the documents so that they don’t fly about
    2. His windscreen was so dirty that it was impossible to see through it
  5. Adverbial Clause of Concession/Condition: This expresses the condition under which the action of the main verb occurs. For example:
    1. Unless the mother promises not to punish her, the girl might refuse to go back home
    2. Although Jennie reads often, she still finds it difficult to pass her examination