Adverb Clauses

MORE ABOUT ADVERB CLAUSES

We have seen that an Adverb clause is a subordinate clause which does the work of an Adverb. It may, therefore, modify some verb, adjective, or Adverb in the main clause; as,

Strike the iron while it is hot.

You are taller than I thought.

He ran so quickly that he soon overtook me.

Adverb clauses are of many kinds and may be classified as Adverb Clauses of:-

Time

Place.

Purpose.

Cause.

Condition.

Result.

Comparison.

Supposition or Concession.

1. Adverb Clauses of time

Adverb Clauses of time are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunctions whenever, while, after, before, since, as, etc.

When you have finished your work you may go home.

I will do it when I think fit.

Don't talk while she is singing.

While I command this ship there will be good discipline.

He came after night had fallen.

After the law had been passed this form of crime ceased.

Do it before you forget.

Before you go bring me some water.

I have not been well since I returned from Chennai.

There was silence as the leader spoke.

As he came into the room all rose to their feet.

The doctor always comes whenever he is sent for.

They were commanded to wait till the signal was given.

The world always will be the same so long as men are men.

As soon as he heard the news he wrote to me.

Just as he entered the room the clock struck.

No sooner did he see us than he disappeared.

Write five sentences containing Adverb clauses of time.

2. Adverb Clauses of Place

Adverb Clauses of Place are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunctions where and whereas,

I have put it where I can find it again. They can stay where they are.

Where you live I will live.

He led the caravan wherever he wanted to go.

You can put it wherever you like.

Let him be arrested wherever he may be found.

In older English whence and whither were also used.

Go quickly whence you came.

The wind bloweth whither it listeth.

Exercise

Write three sentences containing Adverb clauses of place.

3. Adverb Clauses of Purpose

Adverb clauses of purpose are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions so that, in order that and lest. (In order that and lest are used in a formal style.)

I will give you a map so that you can find the way.

We eat so that we may live.

The UNO was formed in order that countries might discuss world problems better. He was extra polite to his superiors lest something adverse should be written into his records.

'Sleep not lest your Lord come in the night.'

The conjunction that occurred in older English:

He drew the sword that he might defend himself.

'Come hither that I may bless thee.'

Exercise

Write three sentences containing Adverb clauses of purpose.

4. Adverb Clauses of Cause or Reason

Adverb Clauses of Cause or Reason are introduced by the Subordinating conjunctions because, as, since, that.

Because I like you, I shall help you.

I did it because I wanted to.

I did not buy it because I did not like the look of it.

He thinks, because he is rich, he can buy justice.

Since you are so clever you will be able to explain this.

Since your father is not at home, I will ask you to take the message.

Since you swear to serve me faithfully, I will employ you.

I am glad that you like it.

He was very pleased that you have passed.

As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.

Exercise

Write five sentences containing Adverb clauses of cause or reason.

5. Adverb Clauses of Condition

Adverb Clauses of Condition are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunctions if whether, unless.

If I like it, I shall buy it. Come if you wish to.

If it rains we shall stay al home.

If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.

You must go whether you hear from him or not.

Whether the Rajah gives him blows or money, he will speak the truth.

Unless you work harder you will fail.

I shan't pay it unless he sends me the bill again.

I will forgive you on condition that you do not repeat the offence.

Note 1:- Sometimes the Subordinating Conjunction is omitted in Adverb Clauses of Condition; as,

            Had I not seen this with my own eyes I would not have believed it.

            Had I the wings of a bird I would fly away.

            He would be happier were he honester.

            Were an angel to tell me such a thing of you, I would not believe it.

            What would you answer did I ask you such a question?

Note 2:- Clauses of Condition are sometimes introduced by a Relative Pronoun, or Adjective, or Adverb (without any antecedent); as,

            Whatever happens keep calm?

            Don't annoy him whatever you do.

            Whatever may be the result, I shall refuse.

            Whichever road we take we shall be too late.

            However cleverly you may cheat, you will be found at last

Exercise

Write five sentences containing Adverb Clauses of Condition.

6. Adverb Clauses of Result or Consequence

Adverb Clauses of Result or Consequence are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunction that. Frequently so or such precedes it in the Principal Clause.

They fought so bravely that the enemies were driven off. / So bravely did they fight that the enemy were driven off. (Literary)

He is such a good man that all respect him.

So great a fire raged that London was burnt down.

The Romans built in such a way that their walls are still standings.

He spoke in such a low voice that few could hear him.

So terrible a disease broke out that very few of the people survived.

Very heavy rain fell so that the rivers were soon in flood.

Laws were quickly passed so that this abuse was checked.

He behaved in such a manner that his reputation suffered.

So cold was it that many died.

Note:- The Subordinating Conjunction that is often dropped in informal English.

He was so weak he could not speak.

I am so deaf I can not hear thunder.

It was so late I waited no longer.

He is so old he can hardly walk.

It was so small I could not see it.

Exercise

Write five sentences containing Adverb Clauses-of Result or Consequence.

7. Adverb Clauses of Comparison

Adverb Clauses of Comparison are of two kinds:-

(i) Adverb Clauses of Comparison of Degree. (ii) Adverb Clauses of Comparison of Manner.

Adverb Clauses of Comparison of Degree are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunction than, or by the Relative Adverb as;

as,

He is older than he looks.

No one can run faster than Rama.

It is later than I thought.

You must work harder than I do.

He is as stupid as he is lazy.

He is not so clever as you think.

Note:- The verb of the Adverb Clause of Comparison of Degree is often understood and not expressed ; as,

Nobody knows it better than I [do].

Few are better leaders than he [is],

You like curry better than I [like it].

It will happen as sure as death [is sure].

Not many know the truth of this better than you [know it].

Exercise

Write five sentences containing Adverb Clauses of Comparison of Degree.

Adverb Clauses of Comparison of Manner are introduced by the Relative Adverb as ;

as;

You may do as you please. It all ended as I expected.

As you have made your bed so you must lie on it. As he has lived so will he die.

As the twig is bent the branch will grow.

Exercise

Write five sentences containing Adverb Clauses of Comparison of Manner.

8. Adverb Clauses of Supposition or Concession

Adverb Clauses of Supposition or Concession are introduced by the Subordinating Conjunctions though, although, even if.

Though I am poor I am honest.

Though the heavens fall, justice must be done.

Though He slay me yet will I love Him.

He set sail though the storm threatened.

Although troops had marched all day they fought bravely all night.

Although I forbade this you have done it.

I shall be able to get in although I have no ticket.

Even if it rains I shall come.

Exercise

Write five sentences containing Adverb Clauses of Supposition or Concession.

Exercise

Pick out the Adverb clauses in the following sentences, tell the kind of each clause and point out the word in the main clause which it modifies:-

Forgive us as we forgive our enemies.

We sow so that we may reap.

He did it as I told him.

I couldn't be angry with him, if I tried.

He arrived as we were setting out.

If this story were false, what should you do?

It is ten hours since I had nothing to eat.

I make friends wherever I go.

At Rome we must do as the Romans.

If I were you I would do it at once.

The general was as good as his word.

My sight is as keen as yours.

Some seeds fell where there was no earth.

Since you say so, I must believe it.

Stand still if you value your life.

He labours that he may become rich.

He lost more than he could afford.

It is so simple that a child can understand it.

He kept on writing as though, he did not hear.

Boy as he was, he was chosen king.

He rides as a cowboy rides.

I will die before I submit.

He was caught in a shower as he was returning from school.

He speaks better than he writes.

He came in while I was out.

After the vote was taken the meeting broke up.

He wept as if he had been a child.

Apollo was worshipped as long as the Roman Empire lasted.

He consoled the unfortunate mother as best he might.

He ran so fast that I could not overtake him.

He knows that inasmuch as I have told him.

The younger man has more money than brains.

Since you desire it, I will look into the matter.

They set a strong guard, lest any one should escape.

He succeeded although his success was not expected.

The earth is larger than the moon.

It was dark when the cannonading stopped all of a sudden.

His pity gave ere charity began.

Wherever I went was my dear dog Tray.

He felt as if the ground were slipping beneath his feet.

Some people act as though they could do no wrong.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

He dared not stir, lest he should be seen.

The movement was checked before it was fairly started.

A glutton lives so that he may eat.

Everything happened exactly as had been expected.

Robinson Crusoe was puzzled when he discovered the print of a foot on the sand.

Enough is as good as a feast.

He finished the work as the clock struck five.

As soon as you stand there, this young lady is your lawful wedded wife.

It's dull in our town since my playmates left.

Whilst I live, thou shalt never want a friend to stand by thee.

No sooner did this idea enter his head, than it carried conviction with it

They have gone ahead with the plan, although there is widespread public opposition.

They were commanded to wait till the signal was given.

Rich as he is, one would scarcely envy him.

Open rebuke is better than secret love.

Have you turned detective, that you keep your eye on me like this?

He had not read half a dozen pages, when the expression of his face began to change.

My eldest son was bred at Oxford, as I intended him for the learned profession.

His behaviour was such that everybody liked him.

I had scarcely taken orders a year, before I began to think seriously of matrimony.

If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.

The world always will be the same, as long as men are men.

Exercise

Use each of the following clauses in a sentence, and say what work it does in your sentence:-

that he was tired

where he was born

as he was told

what you say

whosoever is guilty

who laughs last

because he is generous

since you say so

as he deserved

before it was too late

as soon as he heard the news

that he soon overtook me

where he had left it

how old he was

if you are diligent

because I was tired

what has become of him

when the train will arrive

who did it

whatever you think right

since I returned from Lahore

how this will end

what he wants

as he could

as he was not there

if 1 were you

that the streets were flooded

as I told him

before I submitted

that he is a millionaire

as she is beautiful

what you want

when his father died

as it was raining

as you please

than you are [strong]

although he is not rich

who works hard

that we shall win

when I shall return

if I had not helped you

although they fought most valiantly

when the cat is away

while it is hot

who help themselves

while the sun shines

till you are out of the wood

that wears a crown

who live in glass houses

that blows nobody good

as dreams are made on

where angels fear to tread

where ignorance is bliss

no sooner did he see me

that has no turning

so that we may live

Exercise

Use the following subordinate clauses in as many different ways as possible by attaching them to suitable principal clauses:-

where he was buried

when the train will arrive.

where he had left it.

who did it.

why he did it.

so that he might succeed in life.

whom he had met.

when the monsoon failed.

Exercise

Complete the following sentences by supplying appropriate connecting words:-

Small service is true service --- it lasts.

It is a great loss to a man --- he cannot laugh.

We there met boy --- had lost his way.

It is the common doom of man --- he must eat his bread by the sweat of his brow.

Fit words are better --- fine ones.

He makes no friend, --- never made a foe.

The moment --- is lost is lost for ever.

Forgive us our debts --- we forgive our debtors.

The man --- stands by me in trouble I won't bid him go till the sun shines again.

Money ---- is easily earned is soon spent.

--- somewhat pompous, he was an entertaining companion.

--- Poetry takes me up so entirely --- I scarce see what passes under my nose.

He --- fights and runs away, lives to fight another day.

Never refuse to entertain a man in your heart --- all the world is talking against him.

--- you would be healthy, be good.

--- I am dead, my dearest, sing no sad songs for me.

A man has no more right to say an uncivil thing --- to act one.

--- the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

--- this be madness --- there is method in it.

Consider the lilies --- they grow.

--- he has a car, he often goes to the office on foot.

--- we approached the house, we heard the sound of music.

I have not been well --- I returned from Delhi.

These are the books --- I ordered last week.

They live --- their fathers lived before them.

No one can tell --- this will end.

he had gone I remembered --- he was.

A man --- loses his temper continually is a nuisance.

Youth is the time --- the seeds of character are sown.

The house --- he was born lies in ruins.

--- my mother died I was very young.

Do not halloo --- you are out of the wood.

I shall see you tomorrow, --- we will talk the matter over.

      They always talk  never think.

I did not recognize him --- he told me --- he was.

They serve God well --- serve His creatures.

I have a little shadow --- goes in and out with me.

I met a boy --- told me --- I could find you.

We learn, --- we may be able to make our way in the world.

--- he was not there, I spoke to his brother.

A vessel that once gets a crack, --- it may be cunningly mended, will never stand such rough usage --- a whole one.

--- it journeys through space, the earth is not alone; spinning round with it is the moon.

	Other planets have moons --- ours is very large compared to the earth.
I resolved ---		I would say nothing ---	I knew the worst.
	--- he was born, --- brought him up, and ---			he lived, we are not told.
	Nothing can describe the confusion of thought ---				I felt	--- I sank into the water.
	--- he was a strict disciplinarian he was loved by all ---					I served under him.

One great reason --- we are insensible to the goodness of the Creator is the fact --- his bounty is so extensive.

Passengers are warned --- it is dangerous to lean out of the window --- the train is in motion.