I went home because I was tired.
- Language
- English
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Complex Sentences and Linking
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
An adverbial clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that acts like an adverb in a sentence. It gives more information about when, why, how, or under what condition something happens.
When to use it
Use adverbial clauses to give extra information about actions. They explain time, reason, condition, contrast, or manner in a sentence.
Key forms
- Subordinating conjunction + subject + verb (e.g., because she was tired, although it was raining)
- Common conjunctions: because, although, if, when, after, before, since, while, unless
Examples
If it rains, we will stay inside.
She smiled although she was sad.
Call me when you arrive.
Tips
- Remember to use a comma when the adverbial clause comes at the beginning of the sentence.
- The adverbial clause cannot stand alone; it needs a main clause.
- Choose the correct conjunction to show the right meaning (time, reason, contrast, etc.).
Exceptions and edge cases
- Sometimes, the subject can be omitted in adverbial clauses of time if it is the same as the main clause.
- Some adverbial clauses can be reduced by removing the subject and using the -ing form.