What are the Functions of Adverbial Clause

Dependent clauses which act as an adverb are called adverbial clauses. Similar to other clauses, these clauses either modify a verb or an adjective or an adverb. Adverbs perform basically eight different types of functions which are as follows:

1. Adverb Phrase Head: This type of phrases consists of an adverb and some modifiers. Few examples of adverb phrase head are, however, quietly, quickly, etc.

2.  As Adjective Phrase Modifier: These phrases either modify an adjective or describe an adjective. 

For example:

•    Habitually late comers will not be allowed in the class.

•    Your newborn baby son is very thin.

3. As Adverb Phrase Modifier: These phrases or words either describe or modify an adverb phrase.  

For example:

•    The noise from the next door is extremely loud.

•    President’s actions are almost always perfect.

4. As Prepositional Phrase Modifier:  A prepositional phrase modifier modifies or describes a prepositional phrase. 

For example:

•    His diagrams are not very much like the original.

•    You seem rather driving under the influence of alcohol.

5.  As Adjunct Adverbials:  Adjunct adverbials are the words or phrases which modify or describe an entire clause by providing extra information like time, purpose, place, condition. 

For example:

•    The construction company had to demolish the old museum on the prime location so that an upscale apartment can be made.

•    You will definitely regret in future if you do not take precautionary measures now.

6.  As Disjunct Adverbials: Disjunct adverbial is a word which provides additional information to make the sentence more meaningful. This basically gives an insight of the attitude or tone of the person speaking. 

For example:

•    Surprisingly, none of the students qualified the entrance test.

•    Honestly, I have no idea of what you are saying.

7.  As Conjunct Adverbials: These phrases or words link two or more clauses trying to derive a textual relationship between them. 

For example:

•    Peter accepted the decision even if it meant he will lose his job.

•    Except for high blood sugar, I am hale and hearty.