Clauses Adverbial

What Are Adverbial Clauses?
Adverbial clauses are dependent, or subordinate, clauses that function as

adverbs in a sentence. Like adverbs, adverbial clauses can modify verbs,
adjectives, or other adverbs. (Remember that a subordinate,
or dependent, clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but
cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.)
Adverbial clauses are always introduced by subordinating conjunctions. The

following chart shows some of the most common ones.
SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
after as though now that when
although, though because since whenever
as before so that where
as if even if than whereas
as much as if unless wherever
as soon as in order that until while
Adverbial Clauses That Modify a Verb

When the sea grows rough, the boat will rock dangerously.
When introduces the adverbial clause, which modifies the verb will rock.
The fans remained quiet until the band took the stage.
Until introduces the adverbial clause, which modifies the verb remained.
Adverbial Clauses That Modify an adjective

The forest is darkest where the trees are dense.
Where introduces the adverbial clause, which modifies the
adjective darkest.
Because this road is newly paved, the ride is smooth.

Because introduces the adverbial clause, which modifies the
adjective smooth.
Adverbial Clauses That Modify Another Adverb
So that the group can understand you, please speak clearly.
So that introduces the adverbial clause, which modifies the
adverb clearly.
The jury reached a verdict more quickly than we had expected.

Than introduces the adverbial clause, which modifies the adverb quickly.
Before, after, since, and until can also introduce phrases. Keep this in mind: A
clause always has a subject and a verb; a phrase does not.
Adverbial Clause
We all went home after the party ended.
The adverbial clause opens with the subordinating conjunction after. It

also has a subject, party, and a verb, ended.
Prepositional Phrase
We all went home after the party.
In this prepositional phrase, after is the preposition, and party is the

object of the preposition. Because there is no subject or verb, it is not a
clause.
Punctuating Adverbial Clauses
Most adverbial clauses are set off from the rest of the sentence by commas.
Always use a comma to set off an adverbial clause that begins a sentence.
Use two commas to set off an adverbial clause that appears in the middle of a
sentence. Most of the time, an adverbial clause that ends the sentence does
not have to be set off by a comma.
Adverbial Clause at the Beginning

Unless we hurry, we will miss the bus.
Adverbial Clause in the Middle
We know that, unless we hurry, we will miss the bus.
Adverbial Clause at the End
We will miss the bus unless we hurry. [no comma]
Which Questions Do Adverbial Clauses Answer?
Like adverbs, adverbial clauses can answer these questions: Where? When?
Why? In what way? Under what condition? The subordinating conjunction,
together with the context of the clause, indicates the question that an adverb
clause answers.
Adverb Clauses that Answer the Question Where?
The prospectors staked their claim where they found the gold.
Wherever we plant the seeds, new trees grow.
Adverb Clauses that Answer the Question When?
After the bell rings, class begins.
The musicians must tune their instruments before they begin to play.
When the wind blows, the autumn leaves swirl in the air.
This morning, while I was waiting for the bus, I met an old friend.
Adverb Clauses that Answer the Question Why?
Back-to-school products are on sale because summer is ending.
Since many accidents occurred at that corner, the town installed a traffic light.
As the people have voted for a new park, we can begin planning the project.
We eat vegetables so that we can stay healthy.
Adverb Clauses that Answer the Question In what way?
The campers wolfed down their food as if they hadn’t eaten for a week.
As much as I would like to stay, I have to get home.
Adverb Clauses that Answer the Question Under what condition?
If the pavers work at night, the road will be fixed by tomorrow.
The candidate will not celebrate until she is sure that she has won.
Even if we lose a cast member, the show must go on.
Those plants will die unless you water the garden.

Clauses Adverbial

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What Are Adverbial Clauses?

Adverbial clauses are dependent, or subordinate, clauses that function as

Adverbial clauses are always introduced by subordinating conjunctions. The

Adverbial Clauses That Modify a Verb

Adverbial Clauses That Modify an adjective

Because this road is newly paved, the ride is smooth.

The jury reached a verdict more quickly than we had expected.

The adverbial clause opens with the subordinating conjunction after. It

In this prepositional phrase, after is the preposition, and party is the

Adverbial Clause at the Beginning

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