Lesson 2: Subordinate Clauses: The Adverb Clause

Definition

An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb.

Explanation

An adverb clause is a special kind of subordinate clause that acts just like an adverb! Its job is to add more detail to a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It answers important questions like When? Where? Why? or How? to make your sentences more descriptive and interesting.

Examples

• After the rain stopped, the children went outside to play. [The adverb clause describes the verb went and tells when.]
• We built the snowman so that it would look just like the one in the book. [The adverb clause describes the verb built and tells why.]
• My dog runs faster than my cat can. [The adverb clause describes the adverb faster and tells to what extent.]

Definition

An adverb clause is introduced by a subordinating conjunction—a word or word group that shows the relationship between the adverb clause and the word or words the clause modifies.

Explanation

A subordinating conjunction is the special word that starts an adverb clause. Think of it as a bridge that connects the clause to the main part of the sentence, showing how the two ideas relate. Words like after, because, if, and while are common examples that signal an adverb clause is coming!

Examples

• Though I was nervous, I gave my speech to the class. [The subordinating conjunction Though connects the adverb clause to the main idea and shows contrast.]
• The team celebrated after they won the championship. [The subordinating conjunction after starts the adverb clause and tells when they celebrated.]
• She was late for school because her alarm did not go off. [The subordinating conjunction because introduces the adverb clause and explains why she was late.]