UNDERSTANDING

STRUCTURE
MEETING 05
Chapter 17
Adverbial Clause
ADVERB CLAUSES

• Introduction
• Using Adverb Clauses to Show Time Relationship
• Using Adverb Clauses to Show Cause and Effect
• Expressing Contrast (Unexpected Result): Using Even Though
• Showing Direct Contrast: While
INTRODUCTION
Adverb clauses are used to show relationships between ideas. They show relationships of
time, cause and effect, contrast, and condition.
(a) When we were in New York, we saw several When we were in New York is an adverb
plays. Adverb clause clauses.
(b) We saw several plays when we were in PUNCTUATION: When an adverb clause
New York. precedes an independent clause, as in (a), a
Adverb clause
comma is used to separate the clauses. When
the adverb clause follows , as in (b) , usually
Adverb clause
no comma is used.
(c) Because he was sleepy, he went to bed. Like when, because introduces an adverb
(d) He went to bed because he was sleepy. clause
Adverb clause Because he was sleepy is an adverb clause.

(e.) INCORRECT When we were in new York. Adverb clauses are dependent clauses. They
We saw several plays. cannot stand alone as a sentence in written
(e.) INCORRECT He went to bed. Because he English. They must be connected to an
was sleepy. independent clause.
 After, before, when, while, as, as soon
as, since, until, by the time (that),
Time once, as / so long as, whenever, every
time (that), the first time (that), the
last time (that), the next time (that)

Cause and Effect because, now that, since

Subordinating Conjunction even though, although,

Contrast though
for Adverbial Clause

Direct Contrast while, whereas

if, unless, only if, whether

Condition or not, even if, in case, in
the event that
USING ADVERB CLAUSES TO SHOW
TIME RELATIONSHIP
• After she graduates, she will get a job.
• I (had) left before he came.
• When I got there, he had already left.
• While I was walking home, it began rain.
• As I was walking home, it began rain.
• By the time he comes, we will have already left.
• I've known her ever since I was child.
• We stayed there until we finished our work.
• As soon as it stops raining, we will leave.
• Once it stops raining, we will leave.
• I will never speak to him again as long as I live.
• Whenever I see her, I say hello.
• The first time (that) I went to New York, I went to an opera.
• See Page 368.
 USING ADVERB CLAUSES TO SHOW
CAUSE AND EFFECT
Because (c) Because he was sleepy, he
went to bed.
(d) He went to bed because he
was sleepy.
Now that (c) Now that the semester is over,
I’m going to rest a few days
and then take a trip.
(d) Jack lost his job. Now that
he’s unemployed, he can’t pay
his bills.
Since (e) Since Monday is a holiday,
we don’t have to go to work.
(f) Since you’re a good cook and
I’m not, you should cook the
dinner.
An adverb clause may precede or follow the independent
clause. Notice the punctuation in (a) and (b).
Now that means “because now”. In (c) Now that the
semester is over means “ because the semester is over
now”. Now that is used for present causes of present or
future situations.
When Since is used to mean “because”, it expresses a
known cause; it means “because it is a fact that” or
“given that it is true that” . Cause and effect sentences
with Since say;” Given the fact that X is true, Y is the
result.” In (e) “ Given the fact that Monday is holiday, we
don’t have to go to work.”
EXPRESSING CONTRAS T (UNEXPECTED
RESULT):USING EVEN THOUGH
(a)Because the weather was cold, I
didn’t go swimming.
(b)Even though the weather was
cold, I went swimming.
(c) Because I wasn’t tired, I didn’t
go to bed.
(d)Even though I wasn’t tired, I
went to bed.
Because is used to express
expected results.
Even though is used to express
unexpected results.
Note : Like Because , Even
though introduces an adverb
clause.
 S H OW I N G D I R E C T C O N T R A S T: W H I L E A N D
WHEREAS
(a) Mary is rich, while John is poor.
(b) John is poor, while Mary is rich.
(c) Mary is rich, whereas John is poor.
(d) Whereas Mary is rich, John is poor.
COMPARE
(e) While I was studying, the phone rang.
While and whereas are used to show
direct contrast: “this” is exactly the
opposite of “that” while and whereas may
be used with the idea of either clause with
no difference in meaning.
Whereas mostly occurs in formal written
English.
Note: a comma is usually used even if the
adverb clause comes second.
While is also used in time clauses and
means “ during the time that,” as in (e) See
Chart 5-2 pg. 72
THANK YOU