The Adverb Clause...
What is it?* Subordinate Clause
* Modifies a verb, adverb, or adjective * Answers that questions: How, when, where, under what condition, why? |
How to ID it?* Starts with a subordinating conjunction
Ex. after, if as long as, because, so that, until, when, where, before, and MANY MORE! * Subordinating conjunctions DON'T play a role in the clause itself * Can be found anywhere in the sentence * If found at the beginning of a sentence, usually a comma directly after it (see example 1) |
Exceptions?* Sometimes we don't complete adverb clauses
Ex. I am cooler than you I am cooler than you (are). |
Examples...
1. When Bill-Bob went out with Cathy, he lost his wallet.
a. Cross out any prepisitional phrases
When Bill-Bob went out with Cathy, he lost his wallet.
When Bill-Bob went out, he lost his wallet.
b. Find subordinate and independent clauses
When Bill-Bob went out, he lost his wallet
c. Look for subordinating conjunctions or a comma after your subordinate clause: When AND a comma!
d. Your adverb clause is: When Bill-Bob went out (with Cathy)
2. I decided to wear a longer skirt so that my grandmother would be happy.
a. Cross out any prep phrases
I decided to wear a longer skirt so that my grandmother would be happy.
I decided so that my grandmother would be happy.
b. Find subordinate and independent clauses
I decided to wear a longer skirt so that my grandmother would be happy.
c. Look for subordinating conjunctions or a comma after your subordinate clause: so that BUT no comma!
d. Your adverb clause is: so that my grandmother would be happy.
a. Cross out any prepisitional phrases
When Bill-Bob went out with Cathy, he lost his wallet.
When Bill-Bob went out, he lost his wallet.
b. Find subordinate and independent clauses
When Bill-Bob went out, he lost his wallet
c. Look for subordinating conjunctions or a comma after your subordinate clause: When AND a comma!
d. Your adverb clause is: When Bill-Bob went out (with Cathy)
2. I decided to wear a longer skirt so that my grandmother would be happy.
a. Cross out any prep phrases
I decided to wear a longer skirt so that my grandmother would be happy.
I decided so that my grandmother would be happy.
b. Find subordinate and independent clauses
I decided to wear a longer skirt so that my grandmother would be happy.
c. Look for subordinating conjunctions or a comma after your subordinate clause: so that BUT no comma!
d. Your adverb clause is: so that my grandmother would be happy.
Click the button for extra practice!