Kinds Of Adverb Clauses

There are different types of adverb clauses. In this lesson we will learn about them.

Adverb clauses of degree or comparison

Adverb clauses of degree tell us about the degree or extent of an action, quality or manner. They answer the questions how much, how little or how many? Adverb clauses of degree are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like as, as … as, so … as and than.

• He earns much more than I do.
• The exam was not as difficult as I thought.
• She is as intelligent as she is beautiful.
• She does not earn as much as I do.

Adverb clauses of time and definite frequency

Adverb clauses of time and definite frequency tell us when something happens. They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like when, whenever, before, after, as, since and till.

• She always arrives when you least expect it.
• He had finished his studies before he went abroad.
• I stay with my cousins whenever I visit Bangkok.
• I will wait until you get ready.
• We went home after the party was over.
• He met with an accident while he was going to work.

Adverb clauses of place

Adverb clauses of place are introduced by the conjunctions where and wherever.

• Rice grows where there is heavy rainfall.
• My dog follows me wherever I go.

Adverb clauses of manner

Adverb clauses of manner say how something happens or is done. They are introduced by conjunctions like as, as if, as though and in that.

• You may do as you please.
• He looks as if he were frightened.
• The old farmer nodded, as though he understood every word.
• John gave us a pleasant surprise in that he stood first in the examination.

Adverb clauses of cause

Adverb clauses of cause give the reason for the activity mentioned in the main clause. They are introduced by conjunctions like because, since, as and that.

• I paint because I like painting.
• As I could not find him, I left a message with his brother.
• He was furious that his novel was ignored by most reviewers.
• Since he has expressed his regrets, we will take no further action against him.
• I am glad that you like it.

Adverb clauses of purpose

Adverb clauses of purpose express the purpose of the action mentioned in the main clause. They are introduced by conjunctions like that, in order that, so that and lest.

• We eat that we may live.
• She starved herself that her children might be fed.
• I worked hard so that I might win the scholarship.
• Put on your warm clothes lest you catch a chill.

Adverb clauses of result or consequence

Adverb clauses of result state what has happened or what may happen as a result of the action mentioned in the main clause. They are usually introduced by conjunctions like so that, so … that, such … that.

• The famine was so severe that thousands perished.
• Such were his words and gestures that the listeners were hypnotized.
• She spoke in such a low voice that few could hear her.
• She was so weak that she could hardly stand.
• It was so hot that I could not go out.

Adverb clauses of condition

Adverb clauses of condition are usually introduced by subordinating conjunctions like if, unless, whether, provided that and so long as.

• If it rains the match will be cancelled.
• That is John, unless I am mistaken.
• You won’t pass unless you work hard.
• There will be no trouble as long as you keep your mouth shut.
• You have to do it whether you like it or not.

Adverb clauses of concession or supposition

These clauses are introduced by conjunctions like though, although, even though, even if, while and whereas.

• Though he is poor he is honest.
• The men managed to survive even though they were three days without water.
• Although the elephant was strong it was no match for the agile tiger.