Discuss the Different Kinds of Adverbial Clause

Adverb clauses are a group of words which act as an adverb. Since these clauses are dependent, hence they would need a subordinating conjunction to get connected to other clauses. According to the objective of the clause these subordinating conjunctions can be aligned. Adverbs mostly define who, where, when, how an action was performed. They can modify the adverbs, adjectives, verbs. Some examples of adverbial clauses are discussed below:

•    You need to complete your homework whether you are interested or not.

•    Unless you complete your tasks fast, you won’t be able to meet the deadline.

Having understood what an adverbial clause is, let’s move to see the different kinds of adverbial clauses:

Adverbial Clause of Time: These clauses modify the time of action in main clause by providing the info when it occurred. The subordinating conjunctions for these types of clauses are whenever, while, before, anytime, etc. For example, She ate the sandwich while I was in the kitchen.

Adverbial Clause of Place: Main clause verb is modified to provide the information where the action has taken place. The subordinating conjunctions used here are wherever, as far as, where, etc. For example, Seeing the snake, he ran as far as he could.

Adverbial Clause of Manner: Main clause verb is modified to provide the information regarding how the action was performed. Subordinating Conjunctions used in this case are as though as, as if. For example,  The athlete is limping as if he is injured.

Adverbial Clause of Reason/Cause: Main clause verb is modified to tell why the action was performed. Subordinating clauses used here are as, because, that, for. For example, I came here because my car ran out of fuel.

Adverbial Clause of Condition: Main clause verb is modified to express the situation under which the action was performed. Subordinating clauses used here are whether, if, supposing that, unless, etc. For example, Unless you do the homework, you cannot play.

Adverbial Clause of Purpose: Main clause verb is modified to tell the objective of why the action was performed. Subordinating clauses used here are in order that, so that, etc. For example, I gave my notes in order that he can cover up for the missed classes.

Adverbial Clause of Result/Consequence: Main clause verb is modified to tell the consequence of an action performed. Subordinating clause used here is that. For example, He was so hungry that he ate all the sandwiches.

Adverbial Clause of Concession/Contrast: Main clause is modified to provide the contrasting information. Subordinating Clauses used here in spite of the fact, so, although, the fact that. For example, Although I am an average student, I have never copied in the exam.

Adverbial Clause of Degree: Main clause is modified to provide the degree of the information. Subordinating clauses used here are according to, according to how, etc. For example, You will get the results according to how you prepare for the exam.

Adverbial Clause of Means: Main clause is modified to give the distinguishing character. Subordinating conjunctions used here are by whatever means, by the fact that, etc. For example, You can recognize Tom by the fact that his tone of speech is harsh.

Adverbial Clause of Comparison: Main clause is modified to compare two objects. Subordinating conjunctions used here are small, fast, slow, hard, etc. For example, The train runs as fast as a rocket.