Adverb Clause
What is an Adverb Clause?
An adverb clause is used to modify a verb, an adjective or another adverb that comes in the main clause in a complex sentence. It is also called dependent clause or subordinate clause because it starts with a subordinating conjunction and cannot stand alone.
Modifying a verb:
- I will be waiting here until you come back.
- I had watched a movie before he called me.
Modifying an Adjective:
- The weather is cold in Norway, although the winter has gone.
- He looks happy, despite having many problems in his life.
Modifying an adverb:
- They don`t work honestly in spite of the fact that the company has given them a lot of privileges.
- Drive slowly and carefully even if you are in a hurry.
The Kinds of adverb Clause
1- Adverb clause of time
2- Adverb clause of cause/reason
3- Adverb clause of purpose
4- Adverb clause of supposition or concession
5- Adverb clause of condition
6- Adverb clause of place
7- Adverb clause of comparison
Reduction of Adverb Clause to a Modifying Phrase
Now you know what an adverb clause is. Its time to know how to reduce an adverb clause to a modifying phrase when the subjects of both the main clause and adverb clause are the same.
Note: A modifying phrase functions like modifiers, they are used to describe something or someone.
While:
- While he was coming to the academy, he ran into an old friend.
- While coming to the academy, he ran into an old friend.
- Coming to the academy, he ran in to an old friend.
Before:
- Before we joined Learn ESL, we had to take an entry test.
- Before joining Learn ESL, we had to take an entry test.
After:
- After I finished my homework, I decided to watch a movie.
- After finishing my homework, I decided to watch a movie.
Since:
- Since she came to Texas, she has met many American ladies in USA.
- Since coming to Texas, she has met many American ladies in USA.
Because:
- Because she needed to improve her English, she decided to join Learn ESL.
- Needing to improve her English, she decided to join Learn ESL.
- Because he was unable to pass the test, he couldn`t get the scholarship.
- Being unable to pass the test, he couldn’t get the scholarship.
Upon/On:
- When I got to the zoo, I saw my teachers with their little son, Hameed Jan.
- Upon/on getting to the zoo, I saw my teachers with their little son, Zepher Ali Jan.
- When he went to sleep last night, he saw Prophet Mohammad in his dream.
- Upon/On going to sleep last night, he saw Prophet Mohammad in his dream.