Adverbial Clauses and Phrases

Adverbial Clauses and Phrases

Words to focus on:

As we have mentioned on the last lesson adverb modify verbs, example: he answered quickly. ( quickly is the adverb, and answered is the verb.)

When an adverb consists of more than one word, it is known as an adverbial phrase, example: he talks like the politicians. If this phrase contains its own verb, it's called an adverbial clause, example: He ran like his life depended on it.

Quite often, an adverb in a sentence comprises several words. These types of adverbs are called adverbial phrases or adverbial clauses. Adverbial phrases and clauses (shaded below) can usually be categorized as one of the following:

Adverbs of Time

A crow attacked your cat while I was waiting for the bus.

Every time he cracked a joke, the punters roared with laughter.

(Note the comma. This is explained in the Hot Tip to the right.)

Adverbs of Place

It is colder and wetter in the north of Germany.

Put the sign where the students can read it.

Adverbs of Manner

That dog is walking around like he owns the place.

She is acting as if she has stolen something.

Adverbs of Degree

You are not as clever as you think you are.

He is as modest as he is brilliant.

Adverbs of Condition

If I have the time, I will show you the cellar after the shift.

I will come with you provided my suit is back from the dry cleaners.

Adverbs of Concession

Although only four years old, Oliver can do long multiplication.

I will cover for you although I may lose my job.

Adverbs of Reason

We were forced to abandon the match because the skies opened up.

Since it is your birthday, you can sit in the front.

 THAT'S ALL" SEE YOU SOON" :)