Adverb Clauses Examples

You already know that some types of clauses are subordinate, or dependent. This means that they do not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. These dependent clauses have three functions: as nouns, as adjectives, or as adverbs.

An adverb clause is a dependent clause that acts as an adverb in the sentence. Adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions. Unlike an adjective clause, in which the introductory word serves as the subject, the subordinating conjunction does not serve as the subject. The subordinating conjunction is often an adverb itself.

Here is a partial list of words that can serve as subordinating conjunctions :

If     though     because     since     after     although     when     wherever     so that

How to find an adverb clause:

1) A dependent clause in a sentence will always contain both a subject and a verb. Make sure that when you find something you think is a clause that it does have a subject and a verb.

2) An adverb clause will always begin with a subordinating conjunction. These words are adverbs-they often answer questions like when, where, why, how, under what conditions, in what manner, or two what extent. Does the clause that you found begin with one of those?

3) Finally, does the clause answer the same types of questions that an adverb answers? Does it tell you when, where, why, how, under what conditions, to what extent, in what manner? Does it give you more information about the verb, an adjective, or another adverb. If so, then you have found an adverb clause.

4) Adverb clauses can often be moved around in a sentence, and the sentence will still make sense-even if you put them at the beginning or the end of the sentence. Noun clauses and adjective clauses cannot be moved. This is another way to check to see if you have an adverb clause.

Examples of sentences with adverb clauses, with explanations:

Before I go to bed, I brush my teeth.

The subject of the dependent clause is "I" and the verb is "go". The subordinating conjunction is "before". This clause tells us when I brush my teeth.

Put the hammer down because you might hurt someone.

The subject of the dependent clause is "you" and the verb is "might hurt". The subordinating conjunction is "because". This clause tells us why the person should put the hammer down.

More sentences containing adverb clauses:

1) When you get home, call me. (tells us when the person should call)

2) Put the games up so that you can eat your dinner. (tells us why the games should be put away)

3) Wherever you see a rainbow, a rain shower has been recent. (tells us where the rain shower has been)

4) I have to leave while Jamie was playing basketball. (tells us when the person had to leave)

5) I will give you a cookie if you clean your plate. (tells us under what conditions the cookie will be given)

6) I am sad, although you did a good job of trying to cheer me up. (tells us under what conditions I am sad)

7) Since you are coming over anyway, why don't you bring your bike? (tells us why to bring the bike)

8) You must go to bed after we watch the fireworks tonight. (tells us when you must go to bed)