When you want to explain when, why, where, or how something happens, an adverbial clause helps you do that with clarity and precision.
An adverbial clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It adds context to the main idea by showing time, cause, condition, contrast, or manner. These clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions like because, when, although, or if, and they cannot stand alone as complete sentences.
In this guide, you’ll learn how adverbial clauses work, how to identify them, and how to use them effectively in your writing.
What Is an Adverbial Clause?
An adverbial clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and functions as an adverb. It provides more information about the main clause by answering questions such as when, where, why, how, or under what conditions something happens.
Because it’s a dependent clause, an adverbial clause cannot stand alone. It must be connected to an independent clause to complete the meaning of the sentence.
Adverbial Clause Examples:
- We waited inside until the storm passed.
(until the storm passed tells us when we waited) - She works harder because she wants to succeed.
(because she wants to succeed explains why she works harder) - If the weather improves, we’ll go hiking.
(if the weather improves shows a condition)
Adverbial clauses are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions, which signal the relationship between the dependent and independent parts of the sentence.
Identifying Adverbial Clauses
To identify an adverbial clause, look for a group of words that:
- Contains both a subject and a verb
- Begins with a subordinating conjunction
- Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb in the main clause by answering questions like when?, why?, how?, under what condition?, or where?
Adverbial clauses can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Their placement depends on what they’re modifying and the rhythm of the sentence.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions:
- Time: when, before, after, until, while, as soon as
- Cause/Reason: because, since, as
- Condition: if, unless, provided that
- Contrast: although, even though, though
- Purpose: so that, in order that
- Place: where, wherever
- Manner: as if, as though
Examples:
- Because the instructions were unclear, the team missed a step.
(Answers why the team missed a step) - He finished the test before the others arrived.
(Answers when he finished the test) - You can go outside if you’ve completed your homework.
(Answers under what conditions you can go)
Tip:
If you can move the clause around and it still modifies the verb (or sometimes the whole idea), it’s likely an adverbial clause.
Types of Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses are categorized based on the kind of information they provide. Each type answers a different question about the verb or sentence as a whole.
Adverbial Clauses of Time
These clauses answer when something happens.
Examples:
- She called after the meeting ended.
- While he was sleeping, the power went out.
Adverbial Clauses of Place
These tell where something happens.
Examples:
- You can sit wherever you like.
- We’ll meet where the two roads cross.
Adverbial Clauses of Cause or Reason
These explain why something happens.
Examples:
- They left early because the weather was bad.
- Since you’re here, we can start now.
Adverbial Clauses of Purpose
These show why an action is done, focusing on intent.
Examples:
- He studies hard so that he can pass the exam.
- We arrived early so that we could get good seats.
Adverbial Clauses of Condition
These express conditions under which the main clause is true.
Examples:
- If you practice daily, your writing will improve.
- Unless we hurry, we’ll miss the bus.
Adverbial Clauses of Concession or Contrast
These show contrast or unexpected results.
Examples:
- Although she was tired, she kept working.
- He smiled even though he was nervous.
Adverbial Clauses of Manner
These explain how something happens.
Examples:
- He talks as if he knows everything.
- She danced as though she had rehearsed for weeks.
Adverbial Clauses of Comparison or Degree
These compare actions or show the extent.
Examples:
- He’s taller than I expected.
- She was as determined as ever.
Each type helps you shape more precise, meaningful sentences. Choosing the right conjunction will guide both the meaning and the tone of your writing.
Punctuation Rules for Adverbial Clauses
Punctuation with adverbial clauses depends mostly on where the clause appears in the sentence. Getting this right helps make your writing clear and smooth to read.
When the Clause Comes First
If the adverbial clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, it should be followed by a comma.
Examples:
- When the timer rings, take the cookies out of the oven.
- Because it was raining, we canceled the hike.
Adding the comma helps separate the dependent clause from the main idea and avoids confusion.
When the Clause Comes After
If the adverbial clause comes at the end of the sentence, a comma is usually not needed unless it’s nonessential or adds contrast.
Examples:
- We’ll start class after the break ends.
- You can stay as long as you’re quiet.
However, a comma may still be used for emphasis or clarity in longer or more complex sentences.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t use a comma between an independent clause and a restrictive adverbial clause that follows it.
- Use a comma after introductory adverbial clauses to set the rhythm and prevent misreading.
Understanding punctuation rules with adverbial clauses ensures your meaning stays clear, especially in longer or more formal writing.
Adverbial Clause vs. Adverbial Phrase
Both adverbial clauses and adverbial phrases add information about time, reason, condition, or manner. The difference lies in their structure.
An adverbial clause contains a subject and a verb. It begins with a subordinating conjunction and is a complete dependent clause.
An adverbial phrase, on the other hand, does not contain a subject-verb combination. It functions as an adverb but uses simpler structures, often without a conjunction.
Examples:
Adverbial Clause:
- We stayed indoors because the wind picked up.
(Subject = the wind, Verb = picked up)
Adverbial Phrase:
- We stayed indoors due to strong winds.
(No subject or verb; a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverb)
Both express reason, but the clause provides a fuller structure, while the phrase is more compact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adverbial Clauses
What is an adverbial clause in grammar?
An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb. It gives information about when, where, why, how, or under what conditions something happens. It always contains a subject and a verb and starts with a subordinating conjunction like because, if, or when.
Can an adverbial clause start a sentence?
Yes, adverbial clauses often appear at the beginning of a sentence. When they do, they should be followed by a comma. For example, If it rains, we’ll cancel the event.
What’s the difference between an adverbial clause and an adverbial phrase?
An adverbial clause includes both a subject and a verb, while an adverbial phrase does not. Both function as adverbs, but clauses are more detailed. For example: Because she studied (clause) vs. After the exam (phrase).
Do adverbial clauses always need a comma?
Not always. If the adverbial clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, a comma is needed. If it appears at the end, a comma is usually not required unless it adds contrast or needs emphasis.