Adverb Clauses

1. Adverb Clauses A type of Subordinate (Dependent) Clause

2. Adverb Clause • A subordinate clause that functions as an adverb • It modifies • A verb • Adjective • Another adverb

3. Unless it rains, young plants cannot grow. • What verb does this adverb clause modify?

4. The animals seemed nervous whenever rolling thunder began. • What adjective does this adverb clause modify?

5. The rain fell sooner than we had expected. • What adverb does this adverb clause modify?

6. Subordinating Conjunctions • An introductory adverb clause is always followed by a comma. • When these words or phrases begin an adverb clause, they’re referred to as subordinating conjuctions.

7. Subordinating Conjunctions • After • Although • As…as • As long as • As soon as • As though • Because • Before • Even though • If • In order that • Provided that • Since • So that • Than • Though • Unless • Until • When • Whenever • Where • Whereas • Wherever • Whether • while

8. Elliptical Adverb Clause • When words are omitted from an adverb clause, the clause is called an elliptical adverb clause. You can see the missing words in brackets below. • Yesterday’s rain fell harder than today’s [did]. • The farmers are more concerned about rainfall than the merchants are [concerned about rainfall]. • We won’t worry as long as you don’t [worry]. • Have you ever known anyone as lucky as Felice [is]?