This tutorial will show you a large number of examples of the single most important function of an adverbial clause.
I’m referring to the function of an adverbial clause as the modifier of a verb in the English sentence.
My purpose for giving you this collection of examples of the function of the adverbial clause is simple. I want you to know how to do two key things each time you’re faced with a question on the function of an adverbial clause.
- LOCATE THE VERB THAT IS BEING MODIFIED
2. STATE CONCISELY THE FUNCTION OF THE SAID ADVERBIAL CLAUSE.
Are you ready for this collection of examples of the function of adverbial clause?
Then let’s get on with it.
Please note that the adverbial clause in each sentence is the group of words in bold lettering.
Note also that in an examination, you must place the verb being modified inside inverted commas. I’ve used upper case letters in the examples just for the sake of emphasis and visibility.
Thank you.
Function: It is modifying the verb, …
BONUS FIRST: Every time my pet dog wears a hat, he looks quite handsome.
FUNCTION: It is modifying the verb, “looks”.
- I came because you sent for me.
Function: It is modifying the verb, CAME
2. It wouldn’t rain if the weather remained this dry.
Function: It is modifying the verb, RAIN (or verb phrase, WOULDN’T RAIN)
3. We saw two elephants approach us as soon as we got to the edge of the woodland.
Function: It is modifying the verb, SAW
4. Ngugi wa Thiongo wrote that novel when he was still a student.
Function: It is modifying the verb, WROTE
5. She taught us the function of the adverbial clause before she spoke about verb phrases.
Function: It is modifying the verb, TAUGHT
6. Kamala went to India when she was a little child.
Function: It is modifying the verb, WENT.
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7. Though the pandemic hasn’t yet gone away, we cannot allow schools to remain closed any longer.
Function: It is modifying the verb, ALLOW (or verb phrase, CANNOT ALLOW)
8. Help me so that I may finish this work on time.
Function: It is modifying the verb, HELP
9. What crossed your mind after you saw what they did to her?
Function: It is modifying the verb, CROSSED
10. In case the bus arrived here earlier than expected ask the passengers to get down.
Function: It is modifying the verb, ASK
11. Although most voters claim they are not happy, only a few say they will vote against the ruling party.
Function: It is modifying the verb, SAY
12. Since you don’t like mangoes, I suggest you try oranges.
Function: It is modifying the verb, SUGGEST.
13. The function of an adverbial clause is obvious provided you can locate the main verb in the sentence.
Function: It is modifying the verb, IS
14. To make life easy for all, the government first introduced sweeping policy changes.
Function: It is modifying the verb, INTRODUCED.
15. While they collected their belongings the landlord stood there like a rock.
Function: It is modifying the verb, STOOD.
16. I sat in the front row in order to hear clearly what she had to say.
Function: It is modifying the verb, SAT.
17. They failed to win the match because their technical bench lacked ideas.
Function: It is modifying the verb, FAILED.
18. Place it where I can easily find it later.
Function: It is modifying the verb, PLACE.
19. In spite of the fact that the economy is strong, many people remain poor.
Function: It is modifying the verb, REMAIN.
20. I will go whenever I get the chance.
Function: It is modifying the verb, GO (or the verb phrase WILL GO).
Last word
Can you remember what I said was my purpose for showing you these examples of the function of an adverbial clause?
Make sure to study the place of the verbs carefully to know why they are the ones being modified and not the others in the sentence. Do you have more questions about adverbial clauses or clauses in general? Leave a message in the comment box.
NOW, TRY THIS
Pick a story book and look through the pages for as many adverbial clauses as you can. Then state the function each performs in the sentence within which it occurs.
Do you need more help to understand phrases and clauses in English? Send me a message. We can finish this thing together.
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