Adverb Clause

ADVERB CLAUSE

Adverb clause is dependent clause that functions as adverb. In other word, it contains a subject (explicit or implied) and a predicate, and it modifies a verb.

-          I saw Jow when I went to the store. (explicit subject “2”)

-          He sat quietly in order to appear polite. (implied subject “he”)

Adverb clauses show relationship such as time, cause and effect, contrast, condition, and manner. Adverb clause uses subordinating conjunction as a connector. Subordinating conjunction cannot be omitted. They cannot be subject. Below are some of the subordinating conjunctions:

1.      Time

After, before, when, while, as, whenever, since, until, as soon as, once, as long as, by the time, every time, etc.

e.g.

My mother tells a fairy tale when I would sleep.

2.      Cause and Effect

Because, since, now that, as, as long as, inasmuch as, so (that), in order that, etc.

e.g.

Because he forgets to bring his homework, he does not get the score from the teacher.

3.      Contrast

Although, even though, whereas, while, etc.

e.g.

She did not come to my party even though I invited her.

4.      Condition

If, unless, only if, whether or not, even, providing (that), provided (that), in case, in the event (that), etc.

e.g.

He will punish us if we throw garbage anywhere.

5.      Manner

As, as if, and as though (mainly after the verb look, seem, act).

e.g.

He looks so confuse as if he doesn’t know the ways to solve the problem.

Reduction of Adverb Clauses to Modifying Adverb Phrases

Adverb clauses can be reduced to an adverb phrase when the subject of the independent clause is the same as the subject of adverb clause. Nevertheless, when an adverb clause begin with “as” or “as soon as”, it cannot be reduced to an adverb phrase. (e.g. As he was studying abroad, he keep sending me a letter. NOT: As studying abroad, he keep sending me a letter).

e.g.

1.      -  Adverb Clause         : Before I left for work, ate breakfast.

-    Modifying Phrase    : Before leaving for work, I ate breakfast.

2.      - Adverb Clause          : While I was walking to class, I ran into an old friend.

-    Modifying Phrase    : While walking to class, I ran into an old friend.

REFERENCE

Azhar, Betty Schrampfer, Understanding English Grammar Third Edition,New York; Pearson Education, 1999.

Kardimin, Akhmad. Smart English Grammar, Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar, 2007.