ADVERBIAL CLAUSE

  a.definition

Adverbial clause is a clause that functions as an adverb. In other words, contains a subject (explicit or implied) and predicate, and modify the verb.

Example:
    * I saw Joe when I go to the store. (The subject of explicit I)
    * He sat calmly in order to appear polite. (The subject implied he)

According to Sidney Greenbaum and Randolph Quirk, adverbial clauses function primarily as an additional means or disjuncts. In their functions as adverbial phrases, but their potential for greater assertiveness, they more often such as prepositional phrases (Greenbaum and Quirk, 1990):

Adverbial clause types:
time clauses when, before, after, since, while, like, during, until, etc.

*Adverb Clauses with Time

1. When

• He was talking on the phone when I arrived.
• We'll go to lunch when you come to visit.

2. Before

• We will finish before he arrives.
• She (had) left before I telephoned.

3. After

• We will finish after he comes.
• She ate after I (had) left.

4. While, as

• She began cooking while I was finishing my homework.
• As I was finishing my homework, she began cooking.

5. By the time

• By the time he finished, I had cooked dinner.
• We will have finished our homework by the time they arrive.

F. Until, till

• We waited until he finished his homework.
• I'll wait till you finish.

G. Since

• I have played tennis since I was a young boy.
• They have worked here since 1987.

H. As soon as

• He will let us know as soon as he decides (or as soon as he has decided).
• As soon as I hear from Tom, I will give you a telephone call.

I. Whenever, every time

• Whenever he comes, we go to have lunch at "Dick's".
• We take a hike every time he visits.

J. The first, second, third, fourth etc., next, last time

• The first time I went to New York, I was intimidated by the city.
• I saw Jack the last time I went to San Francisco.
• The second time I played tennis, I began to have fun.

Kinds of adverbial clauses

kind of clause	common conjunctions	function	example
time clauses	when, before, after, since, while, as, as long as, until,til, etc. (conjunctions that answer the question "when?"); hardly, scarcely, no sooner, etc	These clauses are used to say when something happens by referring to a period of time or to another event.	Her father died when she was young.
conditional clauses	if, unless	These clauses are used to talk about a possible situation and its consequences.	If they lose weight during an illness, they soon regain it afterwards.
purpose clauses	in order to, so that, in order that	These clauses are used to indicate the purpose of an action.	They had to take some of his land so that they could extend the churchyard.
reason clauses	because, since, as, given	These clauses are used to indicate the reason for something.	I couldn't feel anger against him because I liked him too much.
result clauses	so..that	These clauses are used to indicate the result of something.	My suitcase had become so damaged on the journey home that the lid would not stay closed.
concessive clauses	although, though, while	These clauses are used to make two statements, one of which contrasts with the other or makes it seem surprising.	I used to read a lot although I don't get much time for books now
place clauses	where, wherever, anywhere, everywhere, etc. (conjunctions that answer the question "where?")	These clauses are used to talk about the location or position of something.	He said he was happy where he was.
clauses of manner	as, like, the way	These clauses are used to talk about someone's behaviour or the way something is done.	I was never allowed to do things the way I wanted to do them.
clauses of exclamation	what a(an), how, such, so	Exclamations are used to express anger, fear, shock, surprise etc. They always take an exclamation mark (!).	What horrible news! How fast she types! You lucky man!