Adverb Clauses

Remember: A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause (which can stand alone) and a dependent clause(which must be attached to the independent clause to make sense). Example: The television was playing as I left the room.

There are 3 different types of dependent clauses… Noun clause Adjective clause Adverb clause Today we are going to talk about adverb clauses!

What is an adverb clause? An adverb clause is a dependent clause that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It usually modifies the verb.

Recognizing adverb clauses Because English teachers lead boring lives and have nothing better to do, they have dreamed up an impressive, multi-syllabic term that no one can remember, to label words that introduce adverb clauses. They are called subordinate conjunctions. This is the fancy term for “signal words” that begin the clause.

Here are some common subordinate conjunctions. after than before in order that until if while unless because whether since though as although so that even though where when

Let’s look at some examples: 1. Even though English teachers are boring, they still need love and respect. The adverb clause is in italics. Note that it is a group of related words with a subject and verb. The subordinating conjunction, "even though" is part of the clause. The subordinate conjunction keeps the clause from expressing a complete thought  

2. The world would be a better place if more people respected English teachers. Again, the adverb clause is in italics. The subordinate conjunction, "if," is part of the clause.

3. If I were you, I would listen to my English teacher because I might learn something of life altering significance. This sentence has two adverb clauses. Note that in every instance, the subordinate conjunction begins the clause. 

But sometimes things get a little tricky. Consider these examples: 1. My English teacher is as wonderful as my math teacher. Look at the italicized clause. It doesn't look like a clause does it? There isn't any verb that you can see. The verb is implied. It is "is."  Does this look better? 2. My English teacher is as wonderful as my math teacher [is]. Sometimes verbs are implied, especially with "than" and "as" phrases.

Let’s try another one 3. Independent clauses are as important as quadratic equations and more important than the Pythagorean theorem.   Let's insert the implied verbs:   Independent clauses are as important as quadratic equations [are] and more important than the Pythagorean theorem [is].

Types of adverb clauses: There are many types of adverb clauses. Here are some examples of the most common types: Place Time Cause Purpose Concession Condition

Types of adverb clauses: 1. Place Answers the question where? Wherever there are computers, there is Microsoft software. 2. Time Answers the question when? After the fruit is harvested, it is sold at the market. 3. Cause Why? (what caused this?) I didn’t call her because I’m shy.

4. Purpose Why? (what was the reason for doing this?) She took a computer course so that she could get a better job. 5. Concession Why is this unexpected? Although Jay has a Master’s degree, he works as a store clerk. 6. Condition Under what conditions? If you save your money, you will be able to go to college.

Examples: 1. I left when the teacher started talking about clauses. The adverb clause is in italics. The subordinate conjunction is "when" and the clause answers the question when. 2. Students can’t achieve true happiness unless they understand clauses. This adverb clause establishes a condition. "Unless" is the subordinate conjunction.

3. Josephine's three cats bolted from the driveway once they saw her car turn the corner. The adverb clause answers the question when. 4. Tommy scrubbed the bathroom tile until his arms ached. The subordinate conjunction is “until” and the adverb clause answers the question how. 5. After her appointment at the orthodontist, Danielle cooked eggs for dinner because she could easily chew an omelet. The subordinate conjunction is “because” and the adverb clause answers the question why.

Practice: Example: They arrived before the game had ended. ("before the game had ended" is the adverb clause modifying the verb arrived telling when.) Underline the adverb clauses in the following sentences and draw an arrow to what they modify. 1. You clean the bathroom while I clean the carpet. 2. Bring in the toys before they get destroyed. 3. I stood on the box so that I could see the top of the shelf. 4. Your face becomes red when you are angry.