Clauses: Adverbs

Adverb clauses are dependent clauses that give information about verbs, adverbs, and adjectives.   An adverb clause tells when, where, why, how, to what extent, or how much about the word it modifies.  They allow you to combine two sentences into one by using subordinating conjunctions. The most common conjunctions used in adverb clauses are listed below, according to the type of clause they introduce.

Conjunctions and Types of Clauses

Cause: as, because, since

Comparison: as… as, than

Place: where, wherever

Manner: as, as if, as though 

Condition: if, provided, that, unless, whether 

Concession: although, even though, whereas, while 

Purpose: in order that, so that 

Time: after, as, before, once, since, till, until, when, while 

Adverb Clause Modifying Verbs

Some adverb clauses modify verbs (the action), answering when, where, why, how, to what extent, or how much, in regard to the verb.

Examples

We left the bicycle.  +  We found it there. → We left the bicycle where we found it.

 I could hardly hold my head up.  +  I was so sleepy. → I could hardly hold my head up because I was so sleepy.

Adverb Clauses Modifying Adverbs

Some adverb clauses modify adverbs (a word that modifies the verb), answering when, where, why, how, to what extent, or how much, in regard to the adverb.

Examples

The other track stars ran fast.  +  Ferguson ran faster. → Ferguson ran faster than the other track stars did.

 John sings well.  +  I sing equally well. → John sings as well as I do.

Adverb Causes Modifying Adjectives

Some adverb clauses modify adjectives (a word that modifies the noun), answering when, where, why, how, to what extent, or how much, in regard to the noun.

Examples

The public library is bigger.  +  It used to be small.  → The public library is bigger than it used to be.

The water in Aruba is blue.  +  The water in Jamaica is blue. → The water in Aruba is as blue as the water in Jamaica.

Kayla | 2019

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