adverbial clause

ADVERBIAL CLAUSE

An adverbial clause is a clause that functions as an adverb. In other words, it contains subject (explicit or implied) and predicate, and it modifies a verb.

§  I saw Joe when I went to the store. (explicit subject I)

§  He sat quietly in order to appear polite. (implied subject he)

According to Sidney Greenbaum and Randolph Quirk, adverbial clauses function mainly as adjuncts or disjuncts. In those functions they are like adverbial phrases, but in their potentiality for greater explicitness, they are more often like prepositional phrases (Greenbaum andQuirk,1990):

§  We left after the speeches ended. (Is it an adverbial clause, adverbial phrase or preposition phrase?)

§  We left after the end of the speeches.(Is it an adverbial clause, adverbial phrase or preposition phrase?)

Contrast adverbial clauses with adverbial phrases, which do not contain a clause.

§  I like to fly kites for fun.

Kinds of adverbial clauses

kind of clause	common conjunctions	function	example
time clauses	when, before, after, since, while, as, as long as, until,til, etc. (conjunctions that answer the question "when?"); hardly, scarcely, no sooner, etc.[1]	These clauses are used to say when something happens by referring to a period of time or to another event.	Her father died when she was young.
conditional clauses	if, unless	These clauses are used to talk about a possible situation and its consequences.	If they lose weight during an illness, they soon regain it afterwards.
purpose clauses	in order to, so that, in order that	These clauses are used to indicate the purpose of an action.	They had to take some of his land so that they could extend the churchyard.
reason clauses	because, since, as, given	These clauses are used to indicate the reason for something.	I couldn't feel anger against himbecause I liked him too much.
result clauses	so..that	These clauses are used to indicate the result of something.	My suitcase had become so damaged on the journey home that the lid would not stay closed.
concessive clauses	although, though, while	These clauses are used to make two statements, one of which contrasts with the other or makes it seem surprising.	I used to read a lot although I don't get much time for books now
place clauses	where, wherever, anywhere, everywhere, etc. (conjunctions that answer the question "where?")	These clauses are used to talk about the location or position of something.	He said he was happy where he was.
clauses of manner	as, like, the way	These clauses are used to talk about someone's behaviour or the way something is done.	I was never allowed to do thingsthe way I wanted to do them.
clauses of exclamation	what a(an), how, such, so	Exclamations are used to express anger, fear, shock, surprise etc. They always take an exclamation mark (!).	What horrible news! How fast she types! You lucky man!

#referens : wikipedia

Adverb adverbial Clause is (the phrase) that serves as an adverb, which describes a verb. AdverbialClause usually classified based on "the meaning / intent" of theconjunction (conjunctive that preceded it).

The types of adverbialClause include:

1.    Clause of time

Clause which show time. Usually made by using conjunction(conjunctive) as after, before, no sooner, while, axles, etc.

Examples :

Shut the door before you go out.
You may begin when(ever) you are ready.
While he was walking home, he saw an accident.
By the time I arrive, Alex will have left.
No sooner had she entered than he gave an order.

2.    Clause of place

That show where clause. Usually made by using such conjunctionNowhere, nowhere, anywhere, Wherever, etc.

Examples :

They sat down wherever they could find empty seats
The guard stood where he was positioned.
Where there is a will, there is a way.
Where there is poverty, there we find discontent and unrest.
Go where you like.

3.    Clause of contrast (or concession)

Clause which shows the contradiction between the two incidents orevents
interconnected. Usually made by using conjunction (the word
liaison), such as although, though, even though, whereas, even if, inspite of, as the
time, etc..

Examples :

As the time you were sleeping, we were working hard.
Mary wanted to stop, whereas I wanted to go on.
Although it is late, we’ll stay a little longer.
He is very friendly, even if he is a clever student.

4.    Clause of manner

Clause which shows the way how a job is done or event
occur. Usually made by using conjunction (conjunctive) such as,
how, like, in that, etc..

Examples :

He did as I told him.
You may finish it how you like.
They may beat us again, like they did in 1978.

5.    Clause of purpose and result

Clause which shows the relationship intent / objectives and outcomes. Usually made with
using conjunctions such as (in order) that, so that, in the hope that, tothe end
that, lest, in case, etc..

Examples :

They went to the movie early (in order) to find the best seats.
She bought a book so (that) she could learn English
He is saving his money so that he may take a long vacation.
I am working night and day in the hope that I can finish this book soon.

6.    Clause of cause and effect.

Clause which shows the relationship of cause and effect. There areseveral patterns to form this kind Clause. Take a good look.

Examples :

Ryan ran so fast that he broke the previous speed record.
It was so cold yesterday that I didn't want to swim.
The soup tastes so good that everyone will ask for more.
The student had behaved so badly that he was dismissed from the class.

Examples :
The Smiths had so many children that they formed their own baseball team.
I had so few job offers that it wasn't difficult to select one.

Examples :
He has invested so much money in the project that he cannot abandon it now.
The grass received so little water that it turned brown in the heat.

Examples :
It was such a hot day that we decided to stay indoors. Or It was so hot a day that we
decided to stay indoors.
It was such an interesting book that he couldn't put it down. Or It was so interesting a
book that he couldn't put it down.

Examples :

She has such exceptional abilities that everyone is jealous of her.
They are such beautiful pictures that everybody will want one.
Perry has had such bad luck that he's decided not to gamble.
This is such difficult homework that I will never finish it.

#referens : scribd.com → adverb clause

Conclusion :

Adverbial clause a dependent clause used as an adverb within a sentence to indicate time, place, condition, contrast, consession,reason, purpose, or result. An adverb clause (also known adverbial clause) begins with a subordinating conjunction(such as if, when, because, althoug) and includes a subject and a pedicate.