Adverbial Clauses : Meaning and Examples

An adverbial clause does the work of an adverb ; like the noun clauses and the adjective clauses, the adverbial clauses too have structures of their own, consisting of their own subject predicate pattern, attached to the main clauses in the complex sentences.

Type of Adverbial Clauses

A. Adverbial clause of time: They are introduced by the following conjunctions
as soon as, when, whenever, while, as, since, after, before, until, once.
1. I took coffee soon after the office work was finished.
2. As soon as the guests arrive, the function will start.
3. When she comes, I shall go.
4. Before you begin yourj ourney, lock your house well.
5. Students do not go the classrooms until the bell goes.

B. Adverbial clauses of place: conjunctions used to introduce the clause are: where, wherever.

1. Drugs are kept where children do not reach.
2. Armed forces were deployed wherever the terrorist hideouts were expected .

C. Adverbial clauses of manner: conjunctions used to introduce this clause are : as, as if,

1. The plan is to be implemented as it is.
2. He lives in a luxurious house as if owned by a king.

D. Adverbial clauses of comparison: conjunctions : as, as, so – as, more than,
less -than , er – than

1. The floor tiles are as tough as stone.
2. Your house is not as large as mine
3. India is more powerful than Pakistan.
4. His new poem is less interesting than the old one.
5. The new trains are faster than the old ones.

E. Adverbial clauses of purpose or result: conjunctions : lest, so shat in order that, for fear that, such that

1. He ran fast lest he should miss the train (purpose)
2. The minister reached the hospital so that he could see the condition of the
patients with his own eyes. (purpose)
3. In order that the mob might be controlled, armed forces were sent (purpose)
4. For fear that floods might disrupt common life, a control room was set up.
(purpose)
5. The book was so boring that I returned it to the bookseller without asking for
the money back. (result)

F. Adverbial clauses of reason or cause: conjunctions : because, as since

1. He has been arrested because the court has declared him guilty
2. Since she is ill, she cannot attend the conference.
3. As the winter has begun, people will buy warm clothes.

G. Adverbial clauses of condition: conjunctions : if, unless, whether, provided
that:

1. I should be obliged if they couldfi nish this work in time.
2. Ifyou come, I shall go.
3. Unless you show your identity card, you cannot enter the school.
4. He can enter the office provided that he shows his identity card.
5. Whether you come or not, the programme will start.

H. Adverbial clauses of concession : conjunctions : although, as, even though,
while, though, even if, whatever, when ever, whoever, no matter

1. Although he is wealthy, he is not satisfied.
2. Wealthy though he is, he is not satisfied.
3. Even if he has won the election, he is not reliable.
4. She is not laborious, even though she is intelligent.
5. whatever may be the result, your hardwork will be appreciated.
6. While I believe that the book is difficult, it is full of ancient learning.

Practice Exercises ( Worksheets)

Exercises 1

Join the following sentences using ‘when’ :
1. The students stood up. The teacher entered the class.
2. The audience clapped. The chief guest finished his speech.
3. Electricity supply was stopped. The storm came.
4. I learnt flute playing. I was fifteen at that time.
5. I reached home. The sun had set.

Exercises 2

Join the sentences using the words given in brackets :
1. He fell asleep. He was reading. (while)
2. He is rich. He never helps the poor. (although)
3. The police reached. The accident had taken place there. (where)
4. The function began. The guest arrived. (as soon as)
5. He cannot buy a car. He does not have much money. (as)
6. You cannot drive a vehicle. You should have a driving licence. (unless)
7. She was ill. She could not walk. (so, that)
8. Work hard. You may fail. (lest)
9. He is a criminal One day he will go to jail. (because)
10. People will buy coolers. The summer has set in. (as)

Exercise 3

Join the following sentence using the conjuctions given in brackets :
1. More ATM booths will be opend. People need them. (if)
2. The wheat crop will be adversely affected. The rains fail. (if)
3. Complete your homework. You will not be allowed to enter the class. (unless)
4. You cannot drive a motorcycle. You should wear a helmet. (unless)
5. We can see the rainbow. The weather should be clear. (provided that)
6. You will be proved guilty. The court will punish you. (if)
7. Don’t hoard the currency notes. you may be arrested. (if)
8. I shall go to see the Nahargarh fort. My parents will permit me.
(provided that)
9. You should read the history of Mewar. You will be influenced by Maharana
Pratap. (if)
10. You should read Indian philosophy. You will learn the depth of spiritualism. (if)