Adverb Clauses: Purpose, Cause, and Effect

• Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs, giving extra information about how, when, where, why, how much, or under what condition something is done
• Adverb clauses act as adverbs within a sentence.
• These clauses start with a subordinating conjunction.
• Subordinating conjunctions link the adverb clause to the main clause.
• Common subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, as long as, as soon as, because, before, even if, even though, if, if only, in order that, once, rather than, since, so that, than, that, though, till, unless, until, when, whenever, where, whereas, wherever, and while.

Purpose

• Adverb clauses indicate the reason or aim for an action.
• Often introduced by so that, in order that, or that.
• Example: She studies hard so that she can pass the exam.

Cause and Effect

• These clauses indicate the reason why something happened (cause) or the result of something (effect).
• Subordinating conjunctions like because, since, as indicate cause
• So...that indicates effect.
• Example of cause: Because it was raining, they stayed inside.
• Example of effect: It was so cold that the pipes froze.

Condition

• Conditional clauses present a condition that must be met for a certain result to occur.
• Commonly introduced by if, unless, provided that, as long as, or in case.
• Example: If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.

Time

• Time clauses indicate when an action takes place.
• Common subordinating conjunctions include when, while, as, after, before, since, until, as soon as, whenever, and once.
• Example: I will call you when I arrive.
• The present simple is often used to refer to the future in time clauses.
• Example: I will call you when I arrive. (Not: when I will arrive)

Place

• Place clauses specify the location where something happens.
• Introduced by subordinating conjunctions where and wherever.
• Example: You can sit wherever you like.

Manner

• Manner clauses describe how something is done.
• Typically introduced by as, as if, or as though.
• Example: He acted as if nothing had happened.

Degree or Extent

• These clauses indicate the degree to which something is true or happens.
• Often introduced by than or as.
• Example: He is taller than his brother.

Concession

• Concessive clauses present a contrast or unexpected condition.
• They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as although, though, even though, while, whereas.
• Example: Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
• 'While' can also be used to express a contrast.
• Example: While John is good at math, Peter excels at science.

Position

• Adverb clauses can be at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
• When the adverb clause comes before the main clause, it's usually separated by a comma.
• Example: Before I leave, I need to finish this report.
• When it follows the main clause, a comma is generally not needed.
• Example: I need to finish this report before I leave.

Punctuation

• When an adverb clause begins a sentence, use a comma to separate it from the main clause.
• If the adverb clause follows the main clause and is essential to the meaning of the sentence, do not use a comma.
• If the adverb clause provides extra, nonessential information, use a comma.

Elliptical Adverb Clauses

• In some adverb clauses, words may be omitted if the meaning is clear from the context.
• This is called an elliptical clause.
• Example: While (I was) walking, I listened to music.
• Example: When (you are) ready, we can leave.