Like other clauses, adverb clauses have a subordinate, a subject and a verb. 

When I was a mere boy,…

If I were in your shoes,…

Although he was reluctant,…

Adverb clauses replace an adverb in the sentence.

I will see her tomorrow (adverb).

I will see her whenever she wants (adverb clause).

Adverb clauses define nine aspects of the verb.

1.                 Time

Subordinates: when, while, whenever, since, before, after, as, once, till, until, by the time that, now that, as soon as, as long as

 

I have not heard from him since he left the country.

 I will recall you as long as I live

 Call me as soon as you arrive in town.

2.                 Place

Subordinates: where, wherever

 

We live where the road crosses the river.

You find poverty wherever you go.

              Where they had camouflaged, the soldiers were safe. 

3.                 Cause

Subordinates: because, since, whereas, inasmuch as, due to the fact that, owing to the fact that, thanks to the fact that

 

Whereas they have disobeyed the law, they will be punished.

Due to the fact that all men were  at the front, the women had to do all the work.

Since she is a congenial lady, she has many friends. 

4.                 Contrast

:Subordinates although, even though, even if, while, despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that, notwithstanding the fact that

 

In spite of the fact that the prices went down recently, the company made a huge profit.

Although I felt very tired, I tried to finish the work.

While they were circumspect, their place of hiding was revealed.

5.                 Purpose

:Subordinates in order that, so that, for the purpose that, in the hope that

 

They climbed higher so that they might get a better view.

For the purpose that justice may be better served, a special committee will be appointed.

In the hope that they may avoid the turbulent sea, they postponed their voyage.

6.                 Result

:Subordinates so + adj/adv + that such + (a/an) + (adj) + noun + that

 

She is so pretty that she attracts a lot of attention.

It was such a rainy day that they decided to stay at home.

The linen was so dirty that no powder could deterge it. 

7.                 Comparison

:Subordinates as + adj/adv + as more + adj/adv + than

 

              She works as hard as her sister works.

              She works harder than her sister does.

She has become even more skeptical than her husband.

8.                 Manner

:Subordinates as if, as though, as

 

He looks as if he needed more sleep.

They are spending money as though there is no tomorrow.

He likes all kinds of music as do I.

9.                 Condition

Subordinates: if, unless, on condition that, provided that, providing that, in the event that

 

If it rains, we will not have a picnic.

We will be able to do the job for you quickly if you give us all the necessary information.

The police will arrest him provided that they find some demonstrable evidence.

 

Exercises: Combine the sentences with proper subordinates. 

Time: when/while/before/after/ since….

John’s employer warned him about his careless work. From then on, john was more careful.        They moved to an expensive apartment. Already, they have become snobbish. I was entering the building. Just then, I saw an old friend of mine. He decided to go into business for himself. Before then, he had worked for many other people.

Contrast: although/even though/ in spite of the fact that…

She spends a lot of money on clothes. Still, they never seem to suit him You may not succeed right away. But, you should keep on trying.       He was deeply hurt by her remark. However, he said nothing in reply.        Some people take pleasure in doing evil. Others, however, take pleasure in doing good.

Cause: since/ inasmuch as/ thanks to the fact that…

His car was much too small. This is why he decided to sell it.             My assistant is on vacation. For this reason, I have a lot of extra work to do.      Hitler believed that the Germans were the master race. Consequently, he set out to conquer al the Europe.       He could not take his wife with him. He therefore decided not to go to the conference.

Result: so+adj+ that          |(or)        such+a/an+adj+ noun+ that

Their school play was very successful. This was because they had rehearsed many times. He cannot pass such a difficult examination. This is because he is very stupid. I could not catch up with him. The reason was that he ran so fast. Now I can pay back what I owe you. This is because I received my pay back check.

Purpose: in order that/ so that …. 

The flowers should be fresh for the party. Thus, they will be delivered late in the morning.           They want to finish the building in the scheduled time. For this purpose, they are working hard.        He wanted to save a few dollars. For this purpose, he walked to work every day. She wanted to see the landscape better. She climbed up the hill.

Condition: if/unless/ provided that… 

The performance might be called off. In this case, I will let you know at once. A robbery might occur in the hotel. In this case, the management must be noticed at once.        It might not rain tomorrow. In this case, l will go to the beach. You must have this leak in the roof fixed. Otherwise, the whole ceiling will be ruined.

 Complete the sentences

If I felt better today,    …         If you get sick,  …        If you had done what I told  you, …        If we have time,  …        We will wait for you if…        I the fire had spread,  …        I would be very happy if  …        You would not have run out of gas if …        I would have done my assignments if ….        The hospital will notify us if   ….