Adverb Clauses in English

Adverb clauses are important elements of English grammar and can help you express yourself in a more precise way. They are useful for expressing time, place, condition, contrast, concession, purpose, and cause.

In this reference, we'll cover what an adverb clause is, provide adverb clause examples, learn how to identify an adverb clause, and find a list of adverb clauses to help avoid common mistakes while using them.

What is an Adverb Clause

Adverb clause definition: "a group of words used to modify a verb, another adverb, or an adjective." It typically includes a subject and a verb, and it is often preceded by a subordinating conjunction such as "after," "although," "because," "if," "since," "while," or “when.”

Adverb clauses are used to provide additional information about a sentence and can help add emphasis, clarity, and specificity.

For example, the sentence "I went to the store" can be modified with an adverb clause to make it more descriptive: "I went to the store after I finished my homework." In this sentence, the adverb clause "after I finished my homework" modifies the verb "went" to provide additional information about when the action took place.

Adverb clauses can also provide additional information about adjectives and adverbs. For example, the sentence "I am very happy" can be modified with an adverb clause to make it more descriptive: "I am very happy since I got the job." In this sentence, the adverb clause "since I got the job" modifies the adjective "happy" to provide additional information about why the person is feeling this way.

Adverb Clause Examples

Here are some examples of adverb clauses:

• After I finished work, I went to the store.
• Although the project was difficult, I still managed to finish it on time.
• Because I was already late, I had to take a taxi to the airport.
• If I don't get enough sleep, I'm not able to concentrate the next day.
• Since I got the job, I have been very happy.
• While I was studying, my cat kept me company.

As you can see, adverb clauses are used to provide additional information about verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. They can help make sentences more descriptive and interesting.

How to Identify an Adverb Clause

Adverb clauses can be identified by looking for a subordinating conjunction at the beginning of the clause. The subordinating conjunction will typically be followed by a subject and a verb.

Here are some common subordinating conjunctions:

• After
• Although
• Because
• If
• Since
• While

For example, in the sentence "After I finished my homework, I went to the store," the subordinating conjunction "after" is followed by the subject "I" and the verb "finished," indicating that the clause is an adverb clause.

In addition, adverb clauses can often be identified by their function in a sentence. They typically provide additional information about how, when, where, or why an action occurs. So, if a clause provides more information about an action, it is likely to be an adverb clause.

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Adverb Clause List

Here is a list of 10 example adverb clauses that you can use:

• After I finished my homework
• Although the project was difficult
• Because I was running late
• If I don't get enough sleep
• Since I got the job
• While I was studying
• Whenever I need help
• As soon as I can
• Wherever I go
• No matter what happens

Using Adverbial Clause in Sentences

Adverb clauses are used to provide additional information about a sentence, and they can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some tips for using adverb clauses in sentences:

• Place the adverb clause at the beginning or end of the sentence. Placing the adverb clause at the beginning of the sentence can help add emphasis while placing it at the end of the sentence can help add clarity.
• Use the correct punctuation. If the adverb clause comes before the main clause, use a comma after it. If the adverb clause comes after the main clause, it should not be followed by a comma.
• Keep the adverb clause as concise as possible. Too many unnecessary words can make a sentence difficult to read.

For example, the sentence "After I finished my homework, I went to the store" makes use of an adverb clause to provide additional information about the action. The adverb clause (after I finished my homework) is at the beginning of the sentence and followed by a comma, making it clear that it is being used to modify the verb “went.”

However, too many words would make this same sentence confusing. For example, "After I had completed the task of doing my homework, I proceeded to go to the store" is an unnecessarily long version of the same sentence.

Common Mistakes

When using adverb clauses, it's important to avoid common mistakes. Here are some tips for avoiding mistakes:

• Make sure to use the correct subordinating conjunction. For example, if you are trying to indicate that something happened after something else happened, you should use the subordinating conjunction "after," not "before."
• Avoid using too many adverbs in one sentence. Too many adverbs can make a sentence difficult to read.
• Make sure to use the correct verb tense. If your main clause is in the present tense, the adverb clause should also be in the present tense.

For example, the sentence "After I finished my homework, I went to the store" is correct because both the main clause ("I went to the store") and the adverb clause ("after I finished my homework") are in the past tense.

There are also essential and non-essential adverb clauses to think about.  Essential adverb clauses provide additional information that is necessary for the sentence to make sense. Non-essential adverb clauses provide additional information, but are not needed for the sentence to make sense.

Summary

Adverb clauses are an important part of English grammar and can help you express yourself in a more precise way. Adverb clauses are groups of words which modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, and it typically includes a subject and a verb, and is often preceded by a subordinating conjunction such as "after," "although," "because," "if," "since," "while," or “when.”

Adverb clauses can be used to provide additional information about a sentence and can help add emphasis, clarity, and specificity. When using adverb clauses, it's important to avoid common mistakes such as using the wrong subordinating conjunction or verb tense.

Over time, you will learn to fluently include adverbial clauses into your own sentences and sound like a proper native speaker!