What is an Adverbial Clause in English Grammar 

Adverbial clauses are subordinate clauses that give circumstantial information about the main clause. They are usually introduced by subordinate adverbs or subordinate conjunctions e.g., although, before, because, even though. And relative adverbs e.g., When, how, while, etc.,. These clauses give information about time, location, reason, manner—basically circumstantial information.

Types of Adverbial clause

1. Adverbial clause of time
2. Adverbial clause of place
3. Adverbial clause of manner
4. Adverbial clause of concession
5. Adverbial clause of reason
6. Adverbial clause of condition
7. Adverbial clause of purpose

Adverbial Clause of time

Adverbial clauses of time are adverbial clauses that indicate the timing of an action or event. They give more information about when an action took place. 

Examples include;

1. I was home before it started raining. When you get home, you should clean up.
2. They left immediately after the party ended.
3. James smiles whenever I look at him.
4. They must leave as soon as they can.

Adverbial Clause of place 

Adverbial clauses of place are adverbial clauses that give in-depth information about the location an action or event occurred. It answers the question ‘where’. 

Examples include;

1. I know where you live.
2. Everywhere I go, he follows.
3. I see her wherever I go.

Adverbial Clause of manner 

Adverbial clauses of manner are adverbial clauses that give information about how an action took place. It answers the question ‘how’. 

Examples include;

1. He ran as fast as he could.
2. She crossed the road as swiftly as she could.
3. As crafty as she is, she could not tell he was lying.

Adverbial Clause of concession 

Adverbial clauses of concession are adverbial clauses that contain facts that in one way or another other contradict or contrast with the main clause in a sentence. 

Examples include;

1. Although she is beautiful, she often misbehaves.
2. He could not save her even though he is powerful.
3. He lives well though he is a leper.
4. He is rich however he has low influence.

Adverbial Clause of reason 

Adverbial clauses of reason are clauses that give relevant information about why an action was taken, a decision was made, or an incident took place.

 

Examples include;

1. She hit him because he cheated on her.
2. They failed as a result of a lack of confidence.
3. He ran away as they had concluded on hanging him. 

See also: Clauses

Adverbial Clause of condition 

Adverbial clauses of condition are clauses that border on probabilities and agreements surrounding an action or event. 

Examples include;

1. I will attend the party if you invite me.
2. Since he loves her, he should marry her.
3. I will stay here unless you wish I left.

Adverbial clauses of purpose

 Adverbial Clause of purpose are clauses that depend on the intention of the subject in acting or what they seek to achieve by doing what they do. 

Examples include;

1. John left home so that he could make a name for himself.
2. She stays up all night so that she can pass her forthcoming exams.
3. She goes to school early so that she would not be punished for lateness.

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• Grammatical Rank Scale Explained