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An adverb clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb. It modifies a separate element within a sentence.
Adverb clauses provide information about verbs, adverbs, and adjectives. They can be used to show time (temporal clauses) or cause (causal clauses).
Here are some examples of adverb clauses: "While I was fishing last year, I caught a fish". "After we finished hiking for the day, we took a nap". "Before the movie ended, the man in the front revealed the murderer". "Tabbie Swift, while she is my best friend, will never be my oldest friend".
Adverb clauses are connected to the main clause of a sentence using subordinating conjunctions. Some examples of subordinating conjunctions include: Because, Since, Before, Although, So that. Adverb clauses can be found at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. When they appear in the middle of a sentence, they require two commas to separate them from the rest of the sentence. To identify an adverbial clause, ask yourself which word is receiving more information from the clause. If the word is a verb, adjective, or adverb, it's an adverbial clause.
Related Tests:
English Grammar Practice Test: Adjective Clauses - Relative Pronoun, Relative Adverb
English Grammar Practice Test: Noun Clauses
English Grammar Practice Test: Clauses
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