What Is an Adverb Clause?

An adverb clause, as the name suggests, is a clause that does all the functions of a normal adverb.
One can identify an adverb clause by asking when, where, how, why and how often.

An adverb clause is a group of words that is used to change or qualify the meaning of an adjective,
a verb, a clause, another adverb, or any other type of word or phrase with the exception of
determiners and adjectives that directly modify nouns.

Adverb clauses always meet three requirements:

 First, an adverb clause always contains a subject and a verb.

 Second, adverb clauses contain subordinate conjunctions that prevent them from containing
complete thoughts and becoming full sentences.

 Third, all adverb clauses answer one of the classic “adverb questions:” When? Why? How?
Where?

How to Use Adverb Clauses?

Adverb clauses, as discussed earlier, can be used to provide information about when, where, under
what conditions, how and why an action is taking place. They also give the reader a description of an
adjective and an adverb. Always remember that an adverb clause begins with a subordinating
conjunction like ‘after’, ‘whether’, ‘if’, ‘because’, ‘although’, ‘even though’, etc.

Adverb clauses can be found in the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a sentence. Let us look
at some examples, and see how it works when used in the different parts of the sentence.

Examples of Adverb Clauses

Here are some adverb clause examples to help you understand how adverb clauses can be effectively
employed in your writing and speech.

Adverb Clauses Used in the Beginning of a Sentence

When adverb clauses are used in the beginning of a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma.
These clauses are often subordinate or dependent clauses and cannot stand on their own.

Examples:

 If you work hard, you will be able to score good grades.

 In case you like it, let us know.

 Although they drove really fast, they could not reach there in time.

 Before you make your decision, make sure you think this through.

 As soon as you meet her, call me.

Adverb Clauses Used in the Middle of a Sentence

Adverb clauses that appear in the middle of a sentence are enclosed within commas, and even if
removed from the sentence, lets the sentence convey meaning.
Examples:

 My cousins, though they told us that they would not come for the movie, they somehow
made it.

 He remembered, after he left the office, that he had not sent the EOD report.

 Remya, since she was not keeping well, decided not to go to work today and tomorrow.

 My friend, because he does not like working in the IT field, started his own company.

 Digital money, even though it has been made legal all around the world, is not accepted or
considered safe by common people.

Adverb Clauses Used at the End of a Sentence

Whenever adverb clauses are used at the end of a sentence, it does not demand or require any sort
of punctuation.

Examples:

 Aaron was made to practise the song for the competition until he sang it perfectly.

 Angel kept rambling on and on as if she wanted to prove that she is broke.

 The dog got so comfortable with my brother after he cuddled her for a while.

 We felt time was very slow because we were sitting idly.

 You will be able to go to the theatres to watch movies as long as there is no lockdown.

Identify the adverb clauses in the following sentences:

1. Diaz came first in the dance competition because he had practised for almost two months.

2. If you like it, you can take it.

3. Danny follows a strict diet in order to stay fit.

4. Unless he is interested in the plot of a movie, he does not watch it.

5. Hector, in order to reach school early, decided to take the metro today.

6. When the clock strikes twelve, you will have to stop writing.

7. Make sure you buy it only if you like it.

8. The football gallery at Loyola, where we used to sit and talk, has been demolished.

9. Although he finished working with his project, he continued to make corrections.

10. Those green shoes, even though they are too big for him, goes with his style.

Were you able to identify them? Let us find out if you got it right.

1. Diaz came first in the dance competition because he had practised for almost two months.
2. If you like it, you can take it.

3. Danny follows a strict diet in order to stay fit.

4. Unless he is interested in the plot of a movie, he does not watch it.

5. Hector, in order to reach school early, decided to take the metro today.

6. When the clock strikes twelve, you will have to stop writing.

7. Make sure you buy it only if you like it.

8. The football gallery at Loyola, where we used to sit and talk, has been demolished.

9. Although he finished working with his project, he continued to make corrections.

10. Those green shoes, even though they are too big for him, goes with his style.

Adverb Clause Exercises

Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

1. The women took notes ________________________.

a. While being taught to cook

b. Steadily

c. Noisily

d. For their children

Answer: A. the women took notes while being taught to cook. (This adverb clause describes when
the women took notes.)

2. We will go to the game __________________.

a. Friday

b. Even if it rains

c. Saturday

d. Sometime

Answer: B. We will go to the game even if it rains. (This adverb clause describes a certain condition,
or a “how.”)

3. You can put the package ____________________.

a. Outside

b. Inside

c. Wherever you like

d. Somewhere
Answer: C. You can put the package wherever you like. (This adverb clause denotes a place, even
though that place is not specific.)

4. ___________________, you will not be punished.

a. Since you have apologized

b. We decided

c. He told me

d. You are lucky

Answer: A. Since you have apologized, you will not be punished. (This adverb clause denotes a
reason or a “why.”)

5. She was so tired _____________________.

a. She left

b. She cried

c. Today

d. That she could not stand

Answer: D. She was so tired that she could not stand. (This adverb clause denotes a result of being
tired or a “how.”)