Page 38 - Grasp English C1 (Student Book)

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Grammar Adverbial clauses

An adverbial clause is a group of words which acts Adverbial clauses of comparison
like an adverb, in that it describes a verb. These state the degree at which something is done,
Adverbial clauses: by comparing it to something else. They follow
• always contain a subject, and a verb. conjunctions , such as than, as … as
• are adjuncts. That means they can be removed
from the sentence, and the sentence remains You are taller than I am.
grammatically accurate. You are not as clever as you think.
• are dependant. That means they cannot stand
alone as a sentence.
Adverbial clauses of condition
• usually begin with a subordinating conjunction These state under which conditions the main idea
such as although, if, unless, when, etc.
comes into effect. They follow conjunctions, such as
if, provided, unless.
Adverbial clauses of time
These state when or how often something happens. I’ll visit you if I have time.
They follow conjunctions like until, after, before, as You can join us provided you pay by next week.
soon as, when, etc.

Adverbial clauses of concession
I’ll call you as soon as I get home.
These provide a statement that contrasts with
I stopped believing in Father Christmas when I was the main idea. They follow conjunctions, such as
eight years old.
although, even though, while, whereas and even if.

Adverbial clauses of place
Although he is fit, he struggled to finish the race.
These state where something happens. They follow Even if he apologises, I don’t want to talk to him.
conjunctions like wherever, (near) where, etc.

Adverbial clauses of cause
Wherever I go, I always take my phone.
These provide a cause for the main idea. They follow
I met James near where we used to work.
conjunction, such as, since and because.

Adverbial clauses of manner
I’m late because I overslept.
These state how something is done. They follow As it was raining, we stayed indoors.
conjunctions, such as, like, as though, as if, the way,
so ... that, etc.
Adverbial clauses of consequence
These tell the consequence or effect of the main
He acts like everything is a joke.
idea. They follow conjunctions, such as so, or else,
Do you feel the way I feel?
otherwise.
She behaves as if she is the boss!
He talked so loudly that I could hear him from the It was late, so we went to bed.
next building.
Be quiet; otherwise, I will get angry.

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