Ory's Writing Notes: Clauses part 3, Adverb Clauses

An Adverb Clause is a clause that describes a verb, adjective, or an adverb. An Adverb clause tells: What, Where, How, Why, To what extent, and Under what conditions.

Adverb Clauses start with a subordinating conjunction such as Although, as if, when, what, until etc.

For Comma usage, if the Adverb clause starts the sentence then you need a comma to separate it from the main clause. If the clause comes after the independent clause then the subordinating conjunction is strong enough to hold them together.

Example: Because it was snowing last night, we did not go dancing.
Example: We did not go dancing because it was snowing last night.

When locating an Adverb clause the rules as if it was just a single word adverb still apply. When the clause modifies a verb it can be moved around the sentence in a number of places (Look at my Adverb post to see where.)

If the Adverb Clause is modifying an adjective or an adverb it must be located right the word it is modifying.

Adjective example: Raidne's hair was breath-taking as if it was made of starlight.
Adverb Example: The two fought bitterly like a mongoose and a snake.

This ends my notes on Adverb clauses. Next, I will be looking at Noun Clauses.