What is an Adverb Clause?

A dependent, or subordinate, clause contains a subject and a verb or verb phrase but does not express a complete thought. As a result, it cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses can function either as noun clauses, adjective clauses, or an adverb clause.

Adverb Clause Examples An adverb clause is a dependent clause that, like an adverb, modifies an adjective, an adverb, or a verb or verb phrase. An adverb clause begins with words such as after, although, because, before, if, since, than, until, when, and while.

Adverb Clause Examples

What is an Adverb Clause?
( When we went to the zoo is an adverb clause. It contains the subject we and the verb went. The clause modifies the verb saw.)

Keiko’s report was the best because she did the most research .

( Because she did the most research is an adverb clause. It contains the subject she and the verb did. The clause modifies the adjective best.)

If Brian fixes his flat tire today , he can go for a bike ride.

( If Brian fixes his flat tire today is a dependent clause. It contains the subject Brian and the verb fixes. The clause modifies the verb phrase can go.)

The dancers are going to practice in the studio now while they have the chance .

( While they have the chance is an adverb clause. It contains the subject they and the verb have. The clause modifies the adverb now.)

Marcel will make a restaurant reservation when we choose a night to go .

( When we choose a night to go is an adverb clause. It contains the subject we and the verb choose. The clause modifies the verb phrase will make.)

Gretchen’s latest novel is funnier than her previous book was .

( Than her previous book was is an adverb clause. It contains the subject book and the verb was. The clause modifies the adjective funnier.)

We will wait until Charlie finishes making his lunch .

( Until Charlie finishes making his lunch is an adverb clause. It contains the subject Charlie and the verb finishes. The clause modifies the verb phrase will wait.)

Because Tamara won the photography contest , she got her picture in the newspaper.

( Because Tamara won the photography contest is an adverb clause. It contains the subject Tamara and the verb won. The clause modifies the verb got.)

This computer works better than my last one did .

( Than my last one did is an adverb clause. It contains the subject one and the verb did. The clause modifies the adverb better.)

After Terry bought his new boat , he took us for a ride on the lake.

( After Terry bought his new boat is an adverb clause. It contains the subject Terry and the verb bought. The clause modifies the verb took.)

I’ll find out my grade tomorrow when our teacher returns our tests .

( When our teacher returns our tests is an adverb clause. It contains the subject teacher and the verb returns. The clause modifies the adverb tomorrow.)

Dad is worried about driving because the weather has gotten worse .

( Because the weather has gotten worse is an adverb clause. It contains the subject weather and the verb phrase has gotten. The clause modifies the adjective worried.)