ADVERBS AND

ADVERBIALS

Adverbial Clause: Function

1. To modify a verb e.g. He ran quickly.

2. To modify an adjective e.g. He’s extremely old.

3. To modify an adverb e.g. He played exceptionally well.

4. To modify a phrase e.g. The fish is almost out of water.

5. To modify a sentence

e.g. Naturally, I had to agree with him.

Adverbial Clause: Function

when, after, as, as soon as, before,

by the time, etc.

e.g. Anna started to play the piano

when she was five.

(1) Time

• Referring to the future we do not use “will”, we use present tense or present perfect to emphasize completion.

e.g. As soon as I hear any news, I’ll let you know.

(1) Time

where, wherever, anywhere, everywhere

e.g. You can sit wherever you like.

e.g. Everywhere David goes,

people ask him for his

autograph.

(2) Place

as, as if, as though

• as : normally coming after the main clause

e.g. I took the train, as you recommended.

(3) Manner

as, as if, as though • as if and as though: can be used after

be, act, appear, behave, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, taste, etc.

e.g. He acted as if he had seen a ghost.

(3) Manner

as, because, since,

seeing (that), etc.

e.g. Because I’m late, I won’t be able to meet you after all.

(4) Reason

for • Coming after the main clause,

this is often formal or literary.

e.g. They said nothing to anyone,

for they were afraid.

(4) Reason

although , though , even though , considering (that)

e.g. Even though Tim goes to fitness classes, he is a very poor runner.

(5) Contrast

no matter + question word

e.g. No matter where you live, the weather will have the same effect on you.

(5) Contrast

in case

• meaning ‘to be prepared for a possible event’

e.g. We turned down the music in case it disturbed the neighbours.

(6) Purpose

• so + adjective / adverb + that

• such (a) + (adjective) + noun + that

e.g. He’s so tall that he can easily touch the ceiling.

e.g. He’s so tall!

He’s such a tall guy!

(7) Result