Adverbial clauses and phrases

What are adverbial clauses and phrases?

1. Quite often, an "adverb" in a sentence comprises several words. These types of adverbs are called adverbial phrases or adverbial clauses. Adverbial phrases and clauses (shown in italics below) can usually be categorised as one of the following:

Adverbs of Time

A crow attacked your cat while I was waiting for the bus.

Every time he cracked a joke, the punters roared with laughter.
(Note the comma. This is explained in the hot tip below.)

Adverbs of Place

It is colder and wetter in the north of Germany.

Put the sign where the students can read it.

Adverbs of Manner

That dog is walking around like he owns the place.

She is acting as if she has stolen something.

Adverbs of Degree

You are not as clever as you think you are.

He is as modest as is he is brilliant.

Adverbs of Condition

If I have the time, I will show you the cellar after the shift.

I will come with you provided my suit is back from the dry cleaners.

Adverbs of Concession

Although only four years old, Oliver can do long multiplication.

I will cover for you although I may lose my job.

Adverbs of Reason

We were forced to abandon the match because the skies opened up.

Since it is your birthday, you can sit in the front.

USE A COMMA WHEN IT'S AT THE FRONT

There are very few problems associated with adverbial clauses and phrases. The main grammar point is whether to use a comma or not.

When an adverbial clause or phrase is at the front of a sentence, it is usual to use a comma.

A crow attacked your cat while I was waiting for the bus.

(no comma required - adverbial clause at the end of the sentence)

While I was waiting for the bus, a crow attacked your cat.

(comma required - adverbial clause at the start)

It is colder and wetter in the north of Germany.

(no comma required - adverbial clause at the end of the sentence)

In the north of Germany, it is colder and wetter.

(comma required - adverbial clause at the start)

This is also covered in "Commas after sentence introductions".

Associated lessons:

What are adverbs?