Adverb Clause - Class 8 - English

What is an adverb clause?

An adverb clause is a group of words that functions as an adverb in a sentence, which means it provides more information about a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It usually answers questions like: When? Where? Why? How? To what extent? Under what condition?

An adverb clause has a subject and a verb and is introduced by a subordinating conjunction (words like because, although, if, when, etc.). The whole clause acts as an adverb in the sentence.

How to make an adverb clause?

To create an adverb clause, you need to follow these steps:

1. Choose a subordinating conjunction.
2. Add a subject and a verb to complete the clause.
3. Connect the adverb clause to the main clause in the sentence.

Let's look at an example:

• Main clause: I will go to the park.
• Adverb clause: when the weather is nice.
• Combine them: I will go to the park when the weather is nice.

Here, the adverb clause "when the weather is nice" provides more information about the verb "go" in the main clause.

Types of adverb clauses

There are different types of adverb clauses based on the questions they answer or the relationships they establish with the main clause. 

Some common types are:

1. Time: These clauses answer the question "when?" Examples of subordinating conjunctions for time clauses are when, whenever, after, before, since, while, and as soon as.
   • Example: She always drinks tea after she finishes her dinner.
2. Place: These clauses answer the question "where?" Examples of subordinating conjunctions for place clauses are where and wherever.
   • Example: I will meet you where we first met.
3. Cause and effect: These clauses show a cause-and-effect relationship and answer the question "why?" Examples of subordinating conjunctions for cause and effect clauses are because, since, and as.
   • Example: He couldn't attend the party because he was unwell.
4. Condition: These clauses describe a condition that must be met for the main clause to happen. Examples of subordinating conjunctions for condition clauses are if, unless, and whether.
   • Example: If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.
5. Contrast: These clauses show a contrast or contradiction between the main clause and the adverb clause. Examples of subordinating conjunctions for contrast clauses are although, even though, and whereas.
   • Example: Although she was tired, she continued to study for the exam.
6. Manner: These clauses answer the question "how?" Examples of subordinating conjunctions for manner clauses are as if, as though, and like.
   • Example: She dances as if she has been trained professionally.
7. Comparison: These clauses show a comparison between two things. Examples of subordinating conjunctions for comparison clauses are than and as…as.
   • Example: She can run faster than her brother.