Adverbial clause

Definition

An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb in a sentence, providing information about when, where, why, how, or to what extent an action occurs. These clauses enhance complex sentences by adding depth and context, making them crucial for conveying the relationship between ideas and actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adverbial clauses can be introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as 'because', 'although', 'when', 'if', and 'since'.
2. These clauses can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, affecting the overall flow and meaning.
3. Adverbial clauses can provide various types of information, including time (e.g., 'when he arrives'), reason (e.g., 'because it was raining'), and condition (e.g., 'if you study').
4. Unlike independent clauses, adverbial clauses cannot stand alone; they must be attached to a main clause to form a complete thought.
5. The presence of an adverbial clause can change the emphasis in a sentence by highlighting specific details or relationships between actions.

Review Questions

• How do adverbial clauses enhance the meaning of complex sentences?
  • Adverbial clauses enhance complex sentences by providing essential details that clarify the circumstances surrounding the action in the main clause. For example, adding an adverbial clause like 'when the sun sets' to the main clause 'we will leave' gives the reader specific timing for when the action occurs. This addition creates a more vivid picture of the situation and allows for deeper understanding of the relationship between events.
• Discuss how subordinating conjunctions function within adverbial clauses and give examples.
  • Subordinating conjunctions are key to forming adverbial clauses as they introduce these dependent clauses and link them to the main clause. For instance, in the sentence 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk,' 'although' is the subordinating conjunction that starts the adverbial clause. This shows contrast and adds complexity to the thought being expressed. Other examples include 'when,' 'because,' and 'if,' each adding different types of contextual information.
• Evaluate the role of adverbial clauses in developing nuanced arguments within writing.
  • Adverbial clauses play a significant role in developing nuanced arguments because they allow writers to provide context that supports their claims or ideas. By incorporating details about time, cause, condition, or contrast through these clauses, writers can create more persuasive narratives. For example, stating 'If we invest in education, then our future workforce will thrive' not only presents an idea but also conditions it on a specific scenario, deepening the argument's complexity and potential impact.

Related terms

subordinate clause: A subordinate clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought, often used to add additional information to a main clause.

complex sentence: A complex sentence is a type of sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause, allowing for more nuanced expressions of ideas.

conjunction: A conjunction is a word that connects clauses or sentences, including subordinating conjunctions that introduce adverbial clauses.