Adverb Clause – Part II

Adverb clauses of condition

Adverb clauses of condition are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions if, weather, unless, in case, as if, so long as etc.

If you heat ice, it melts.
In case you miss the train, give me a call.
If I had been rich, I would have lent him some money.
Unless you run fast, you will miss the train.

Adverb clauses of result of effect

Adverb clauses of result or effect are introduced by the subordinating conjunction that. Note that ‘that’ is usually preceded by so or such in the principal clause.

He is so weak that he cannot walk.
It was so hot that we didn’t go out.
He spoke in such a low voice that we couldn’t hear anything.

Adverb clauses of comparison

Adverb clauses of comparison are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions than, as or as if. Note that the verb of the adverb clause of comparison is usually understood and not mentioned.

She is taller than her husband (is).
It is better than I expected it to be.
Nobody knows him better than I (do).
I like him more than you (like him).
You may do as you please.

Adverb clauses of concession or contrast

Adverb clauses of concession or contrast are introduced by the subordinating conjunction though, although, as, even if, however, whatever etc.

Though he is poor, he is happy.
Although he is poor, he is happy.
Even if it rains, I shall come.

Exercise

Find out the adverb clauses in the following sentences.

1.    Unless you leave this place at once, I shall call the police.
2.    Before we hear the thunder, we see a flash of lightning.
3.    As he is one of our most celebrated poets, Shelly’s name should be remembered by all.
4.    We should always wash our hands and mouth before we eat our food.
5.    His remarks were so imprudent that we found it hard to keep quiet.

Answers

1.    Unless you leave this place at once (Adverb clause of condition)
2.    Before we hear the thunder (Adverb clause of time)
3.    As he is one of our most celebrated poets (Adverb clause of reason)
4.    Before we eat our food (Adverb clause of time)
5.    That we found it hard to keep quiet (Adverb clause of result or effect)