ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

INTRODUCTION
 Definition

They modify a verb (either finite or non-finite), an

adjective, an adverb or another clause.

e.g.:
Don’t start before the machine is ready for operation.
The result was simpler than it was expected.
The programmer worked harder than he ever did before.
 INTRODUCTION
 Position
Most commonly, at the beginning or the end of the
main clause. In some cases, medial position.

e.g. : If possible, use a different method.

The scene must be illuminated until a
distinctive image appears.
I was told that, if I applied early, I would
be given an immediate answer.
Classification of adverbial clauses

1. CLAUSES OF TIME
2. CLAUSES OF PLAC
3. CLAUSES OF CONDITION
4.CLAUSES OF CONCESSION
5. CLAUSES OF REASON OR CAUSE
6. CLAUSES OF PURPOSE
7. CLAUSES OF RESULT
8. CLAUSES OF MANNER
…………
Here, we shall consider the most common types, and more
precisely, those that appear more often in technical texts.
 1. CLAUSES OF TIME
They answer the question “When?” and are common in
the initial or end position.

Main conjunctions: when( 时间点 ), whenever,

while( 时间段 ), before, after, until （否定句） ,
till （肯定句） , since, once, as, now that, as soon
as, as long as, the moment, directly, instantly, the
instant, immediately.....
 e.g.:
 When she came in, I stopped eating.
 While my wife was reading the newspaper, I was watching
TV.
 Werther likes Lotte, while she likes Wilhelm.
 We always sing as we talk.
 After you think it over, please tell me what you decided.
 I studied until she came back.
 Where have you been since I last met you?
 I will be there as soon as I had my lunch.
 I will fight against this situation as loog as (so long as ) there
is breath in my body.
 2. CLAUSES OF PLACE
They answer the question “Where?”.

main conjunctions : where,wherever

e.g.:
Where there is no rain, farming is difficult or impossible.
Where they have been, they were warmly welcomed.
Wherever grassland is, you will find horseman.
Wherever there is smoke, there is fire.
Wherever you go, I go to.
 3. CLAUSES OF CONDITION

Main conjunctions: if (positive cond.), unless

(negative cond.), provided that, provided, supposed,
supposting (mostly connected with questions), as long as,
so long as, so that, on condition that....
e.g.:

 Ifit doesn't rain tomorrow, we will go

hiking.
 I will go to the party, unless he goes there
too.
 You will be late unless you leave
immediatly.
Clauses beginning with “If” are similar to
questions which imply uncertainty. Thus, they
tend to contain non-assertive forms such as
“Ever” and “Any”.
Clauses beginning with “Unless” stress the
“excluded positive option” and, so, they
normally contain assertive forms like “Some”.
For the same reason, these clauses are not
usually unreal conditions.
 4.CLAUSES OF CONCESSION

main conjunctions: though, although, even though, even

if, while, whereas.....

 ‘Although’ as a subordinator is approximately the equivalent

of ‘but’ as a co-ordinator. WHILE and WHEREAS often
point to a contrast between comparable things.
 e.g.:
 I kept smiling, although I didn't understand
anything.
 You will enjoy this program, even if you dislike
computers.
 Some of your friends may be getting curves, whereas
you don't have any yet.
 We will make a trip even though the wether is bad.
5. CLAUSES OF REASON OR CAUSE

An adverb clause of reason shows why an action take

place.

Main conjunctions: because, since, as, for, now that...

 Whereas is sometimes used to introduce a clause of

reason in legal English.
 Conjunctions typically associated with time can also
introduce these clauses.
 In many cases, the conjunction is omitted.
 e.g.:
 It is true because I say it is.
 Whereas the defendant has pleaded guilty, the Court
will be lenient with him. 鉴于被告已经认罪，法院将对他从宽处理
 We’ll have to rearrange the configuration after we
said we would.
 Since eveybody is here, let's begin our match.
 We are happy you can manage.
 It would be wise to save some of the money,
for there may be unexpected expenses later.
 6. CLAUSES OF PURPOSE
An adverb clause of purpose is used when the purpose of an action is to be
described.

Main conjunctions: so that, in order that, in order to....

e.g.:
 I’m going early so that I can find a good seat.
 He met Jack there so that Alice wouldn't know.
 Please open the window so that frash air comes in.
 We let you know the details of the assignments soon in order
that you can made your arrangements.
 7. CLAUSES OF RESULT
They state what has happened (or may happen) as the result of the action or
state expressed by the main clause.

Main Conjunctions: so......that, so, such.....that, such, so/much

many that...
e.g.:
 The scientific report was so instructive that all of us were
all excited.
 He always studied hard that he passed exam of IELTS.
 His English was so good that his teacher write him a letter
and praised him for it.
 8. CLAUSES OF MANNER
An adverb clause of manner shows the manner in which an action is
performed. It is a kind of comparative clause as it indicates comparison of
manners. They answer the questions HOW MUCH?, HOW LITTLE?.

main conjunctions : as, as…..so(…… 一样，正如……一样 ), as if, as

thought, in the way that, how....
 If ‘as + clause’ appears in the first sentence, then the main
clause begins with ‘so’.

e.g.: As he has started, so will he finish.

As water is to fish, so air is to man.
Always do to the others as you would be done by.
He stared at me as if seeing me for the first time.