Adverb clauses are a fascinating aspect of English grammar that add depth and detail to our sentences. They provide additional information about the action described in the main clause, answering questions like how, when, where, why, and under what conditions something happens. In this article, I will explore the definition and types of adverb clauses. In addition, I will include a series of exercises to learn how to use adverb clauses effectively.
DEFINITION OF ADVERB CLAUSES
An adverb clause, also known as an adverbial clause, is a collection of words in a sentence that acts as an adverb. That is, it modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It’s always a dependent clause, meaning it can’t stand alone as a complete sentence.
These clauses always meet three criteria:
- They contain a subject and a verb.
- They include subordinate conjunctions that prevent them from being complete sentences.
- They answer one of the classic “adverb questions:” When? Why? How? Where?
Here’s how adverb clauses answer the classic “adverb questions” of When? Why? How? and Where?
- When? Adverb clauses can describe the time when an action occurs. For example, in the sentence “He bakes cakes before he leaves for work every Sunday,” the adverb clause answers the question “When does he bake cakes?”
- Why? Adverb clauses can explain the reason or purpose behind an action. For example, in the sentence “I had a milkshake for dinner because I couldn’t chew anything,” the adverb clause answers the question “Why did I have a milkshake for dinner?”
- How? Adverb clauses can describe the manner in which an action is performed. This is less common, but you might see it in sentences like “She sings as if she were in a grand opera,” where the adverb clause answers “How does she sing?”
- Where? Adverb clauses can indicate the place where an action occurs. For example, in the sentence “We will meet where you first saw me,” the adverb clause answers the question “Where will we meet?”
TYPES OF ADVERB CLAUSES
- Showing Cause and Effect: Adverb clauses can show cause and effect relationships between different ideas or actions. They are often introduced by words like “because”, “since”, or “so that”.
Example:
- Because it was raining, I decided to stay home.
- I’m studying hard so that I can pass the exam.
- Expressing Contrast: Adverb clauses can also express contrast or contradiction between two ideas. They are often introduced by words like “although”, “even though”, or “despite”.
Example:
- Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
- Even though he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
- Showing Direct Contrast with ‘While’ and ‘Whereas’: The conjunctions “while” and “whereas” can be used to show direct contrast between two different ideas or facts.
Example:
- While I prefer coffee, my sister prefers tea.
- He loves playing football, whereas his brother prefers reading books.
- Time: These adverb clauses describe when something happens. They’re often introduced by words like “when”, “whenever”, “before”, “after”, “as”, “while”, “until”, “as soon as”, and “since”.
Example:
- When the movie ended, we went out for dinner.
- I’ll wait here until you come back.
- Place: These adverb clauses describe where something happens. They’re often introduced by words like “where” and “wherever”.
Example:
- I enjoy walking where it’s quiet.
- Wherever you go, I will follow.
- Manner: These adverb clauses describe how something happens. They’re often introduced by words like “as if”, “as though”, and “the way”.
Example:
- He talks as if he knows everything.
- She dances the way a professional would.
- Condition: These adverb clauses describe a condition that must be met for something to happen. They’re often introduced by words like “if”, “unless”, and “provided that”.
Example:
- If it rains, we will stay at home.
- You can go out provided that you finish your homework.
DIALOGUE TO PRACTICE ADVERB CLAUSES
Alice: Hi, Bob, why weren’t you at the gym yesterday?
Bob: Hello, Alice! Because I was feeling unwell, I decided to skip the gym.
Alice: Oh, I hope you’re feeling better now. Are you preparing for the upcoming marathon?
Bob: Yes, I’m training hard so that I can complete the marathon.
Alice: That’s great! But I saw Mike at the gym yesterday. Although he has a minor injury, he was still working out.
Bob: Yes, Mike is quite dedicated to his fitness. But did you hear about Lisa? Even though she trained hard, she didn’t qualify for the marathon.
Alice: Oh, that’s unfortunate. By the way, do you prefer cardio or weight training?
Bob: While I prefer cardio, my friend prefers weight training.
Alice: Interesting! And what about sports? Do you like playing basketball?
Bob: Not really. I love swimming, whereas my friend loves playing basketball.
Alice: That’s quite a contrast! Well, it was nice catching up with you. Let’s meet up for a workout session sometime soon.
Bob: Absolutely, I’d love that. Let’s plan for it after the marathon. Good luck with your training!
Alice: Thanks, you too! See you soon.
ACTIVITY 1. ASK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS BASED ON THE DIALOGUE ON ADVERBS CLAUSES
Example:
Model Question: Why did Bob decide to skip the gym? Model Answer: Bob decided to skip the gym because he was feeling unwell.
Now, answer the following questions based on the dialogue above following the model.
- Why is Bob training hard?
- What did Mike do even though he has a minor injury?
- Despite training hard, what happened to Lisa?
- What does Bob prefer, cardio or weight training? What about his friend?
- What does Bob love doing, and how does it contrast with what his friend loves?
ACTIVITY 2. ASK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS USING ADVERB CLAUSES
Instructions: In this exercise, you will practice using adverb clauses in sentences. Given the following set of phrases, your task is to combine them into complete sentences using an adverb clause. Make sure to use the adverb clauses “while”, “whereas”, “even though”, and “so that” in your answers.
- Lisa / loves reading books / her sister loves playing basketball
- Tom / decided to take an umbrella / he wouldn’t get wet if it rained later
- Sarah / didn’t eat dessert / she is on a diet
- Mike / prefers tea / his brother prefers coffee
- Emily / went to bed early / she had a meeting early in the morning
ACTIVITY 3. INTERACTION USING ADVERB CLAUSES
Instructions: The professor (or a student) will ask a question, and then you will answer the question using the second part of the clue and an appropriate adverb clause. Make sure to use the adverb clauses “before”, “as soon as”, “where”, “wherever”, and “as if” in your answers.
Clues:
- I finished my homework / the movie started
- I’ll start cooking / you get home
- I like to study / it’s quiet
- You can find me / the books are
- She speaks / she has lived in many countries
Example:
- Teacher: When did you finish your homework? Student: I finished my homework before the movie started.
CONCLUSION
Adverb clauses are a powerful tool in writing, allowing you to add nuance and detail to your sentences. By understanding how to use them correctly, you can enhance the clarity and richness of your writing. So next time you’re crafting a sentence, consider how an adverb clause might add depth and detail to your message.
