Adverbial clauses

AN ADVERBIAL CLAUSE performs the function of an adverbial modifier. It can modify a verb, an adjective or an adverb in the principal clause.

1. Adverbial Clauses of Time

Conjunctions: as, as soon as, as long as, when, whenever, while, now that, till, until, after, before, since, the time (that), the day (that), the moment, the instant, every time, directly, immediately, instantly, once

Since we have been friends we have never quarrelled.

The students didn’t say a word till they were asked.

Directly she saw me, she said good-bye.

We’ll be married the very moment we find a house.

2. Adverbial Clauses of Place

Conjunctions: where, whence, wherever, everywhere (that)

John was standing where he had always been standing.

Why can’t we go where it’s warm?

NOTE: Adverbial clauses of place should not be confused with predicative, object or attributive clauses introduced by where. Compare:

This must be where she lives. (predicative)

Swaziland is the country where I want to live. (attributive)

I wonder where you are hurrying. (object)

3. Adverbial Clauses of Manner

Conjunctions: as, the way

I can do it as no one else could do.

I am sorry I talked the way I did at lunch.

He was puzzled by the situation, as one could easily be in his place.

4. Adverbial Clauses of Comparison

Conjunctions: as, like, as though, than, as … as, so … as

He was as obstinate as were most of his relatives.

They don’t have long intervals like they do at other theatres.

It’s not so easy as you think.

It’s rather longer than he said.

NOTE 1: The conjunctions as if and as though may also introduce appositive and predicative clauses. Compare:

She had a look as if she had something on her mind.. (appositive)

She looked as if she had something on her mind. (predicative)

She looked at me as if nothing was wrong. (comparison)

NOTE 2: Special mention should be made of cases when two subordinating devices are used to introduce a clause, usually a conjunction and a conjunctive word: than whose, than which, than where, or two conjunctions: than if. They bear double relation to the main clause, one of which is that of comparison.

Tver is the city than which none is more beautiful. (comparison + attribute)

I am never happier than when I watch football. (comparison + time)

5. Adverbial Clauses of Condition

Conjunctions: if, unless, in case, provided (that), providing (that), suppose (that), considering (that), given (that), granted (that), granting (that), admitting (that), presuming (that), seeing (that)

Asyndetically

If you don’t come, they will be pleased.

Unless somebody interferes, there may be a disaster.

I will do my best, provided it lies in my power.

Had the colour of the TV set been to my taste, I’d have

bought it.

Buy a cheeseburger, in case you are hungry.

Suppose they are late, what shall we do?

Given that they are unexperienced, they have done a good job.