Adverb clauses give more information about a sentence. They tell us when, where, how or why.
Each adverb clause starts with a word or phrase called a subordinator. The subordinator shows how the main sentence and the adverb clause are related.
Remember when you learned about some of the different past and present tenses? Many of them involve the use of adverb clauses. If you need to, take a review of some of those tense lessons to make sure you are using the correct tenses for each clause.
There are many different subordinators. Here are some examples for you.
| What does it show? | Examples of Subordinators | Example Sentences |
|---|---|---|
| when | once until before as soon as when after |
Once you finish your breakfast, you can go outside. I'll have finished all the popcorn by the time she gets here. Vincent van Gogh's art was not appreciated until after he died. |
| why | because since as |
Because of his mistake, we missed the deadline. He probably won't have a birthday party since he hates celebrations. We cancelled the party as it had begun to rain. |
| where | where anywhere wherever everywhere |
Wherever you hear music, there is a party going on. My sister likes going anywhere I take her. Where there are children, there is laughter. |
| contrast | even though although though despite the fact that while |
Despite the fact that John never studies, he always does well on tests! I wanted to talk to her even though I knew she wouldn't listen. Although he became very famous, he was still kind and humble. |
| the reason for | so that in order that |
We slowed down so that Jenny could catch up. You need to learn how to deal with stress in order that it doesn't ruin your life. |
Exercise
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