Using Adverb Clauses

What is an Adverb Clause?

"He saw Mary when he was in New York" and "They studied hard because they had a test" are adverb clauses. Adverb clauses express when, why, opposition and conditions and are dependent clauses. This means that an adverb clause can not stand by itself - in other words, "When he went to New York." is not a complete sentence. It needs to be completed by an independent clause. Example: He went to the Guggenheim museum when he was in New York.

Punctuation

When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses. Example: As soon as he arrives, we will have some lunch.. When the adverb clause finishes the sentence there is no need for a comma. Example: He gave me a call when he arrived in town.

For more information about how to use these words click on the link for an explanation of the usage.

List of Words (subordinating conjunctions) Introducing Adverb Clauses

Adverb Clauses Showing Cause and Effect (because, as, since, etc.)

Adverb Clauses Expressing Conditions (if, unless, only if, even if, etc.)

Adverb Clauses with Time Expressions (when, as soon as, before, etc.)

Adverb Clauses Expressing Opposition (though, even though, whereas, etc.)

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