‍Introduction

Sometimes, even when a statement makes its argument crystal obvious, it still needs a little more explanation. Use an adverb whenever you see a statement like this in your writing. English has them because of this.

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However, a statement may occasionally require more than simply an adverb. To explain the what, where, why, and/or how behind its primary clause, it needs extra context. In this situation, you can employ an adverbial phrase or continue the statement with another sentence. A dependent clause that modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb in its sentence is called an adverbial clause. An adverbial clause, then, is a phrase that performs the same function as an adverb.

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What is an adverbial clause?

A set of words that together serve as an adverb is known as an adverbial clause, also known as an adverb clause. This indicates that a verb, adjective, or other adverb is being described or modified by the phrase. Adverbial clauses are always dependent clauses, unlike other kinds of clauses. This signifies that it is insufficient to function as a complete sentence.

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Examples

Below are some more examples (including some well-known proverbs and quotations) with adverbial clauses. These examples have been categorized according to the type of adverbial clause (e.g., adverb of time, adverb of place).

Adverbs of Time (When?)

An adverb of time states when something happens or how often. An adverb of time often starts with one of the following subordinating conjunctions: "after," "as," "as long as," "as soon as," "before," "no sooner than," "since," "until," "when," or "while."

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Here are some examples:

After the game has finished, the king and pawn go into the same box. (Italian Proverb)

I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked for my autograph. (Actress Shirley Temple)

As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. (Writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

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Adverbs of Place (Where?)

An adverb of place states where something happens. An adverb of place often starts with a preposition (e.g., "in," "on," "near") or one of the following subordinating conjunctions: "anywhere," "everywhere," "where," or "wherever."

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Here are some examples:

Anywhere the struggle is great, the level of ingenuity and inventiveness is high. (Economist Eleni Zaude Gabre-Madhin)

I am not afraid of the pen, the scaffold, or the sword. I will tell the truth wherever I please. (Lobbyist Mother Jones)

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Conclusion

You are safe to put a comma after your adverbial phrase when it comes first. The comma is seen to be helpful in indicating the beginning of the main sentence and the conclusion of the adverbial phrase. Things become a little more difficult when your adverbial phrase comes at the conclusion of your sentence since it relies on whether it is important (also known as a restricted clause) or not (called a non-restrictive clause). Avoid commas until when absolutely necessary.  You can also download our app from the playstore or visit our website.

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