ADVERBIAL CLAUSES and CONJUNCTIONS

Consider the following sentences

• Before I go to bed, I brush my teeth. (This clause tells us when I brush my teeth.)
• Put the hammer down because you might hurt someone. (This clause tells us why the
person should put the hammer down.)
• Wherever you see a rainbow, a rain shower has been recent. (This clause tells us where
the rain shower has been.)
• I will give you some chocolates if you clean your room. (This clause tells us under what
condition the chocolates will be given.)

ADVERBIAL CLAUSE
× Is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb
× It can modify verbs, adverbs, and adjectives by telling when, where, why, how, how
much, and under what condition.
× Adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions.
after in order (that) unless if
although insofar as until inasmuch as
as in that when in case (that)
as far as lest whenever though
as soon as no matter how where till
as if now that wherever even though
as though once whether how
because provided (that) while than
before since why that
even if so that supposing
(that)

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES OF TIME

As, When, While

× We can often use as, when, or while to mean “during the time that”, to talk about
something that happens when something else takes place.
As/When/While Dave was eating, the doorbell rang.

We use when (not as or while) to introduce a clause which talks about

× An event that takes place at the same time as some longer event (in the main clause)
They were playing the garden when they heard a scream.

× The circumstances in which the event the main clause happens

When they are fully grown, these snakes can be two meters long.

× We also use when to mean “every time”

I still feel tired when I wake up in the morning.

× We prefer when to emphasize that one event happens immediately after another,
particularly if one causes the other.
You’ll see my house on the right when you cross the bridge.
When the lights went out, I lit some candles.
 × AS is used to say that when one thing changes, another thing changes at the same time.
As the cheese matures, its flavor improves. (rather than When the cheese matures…)

× We can also use ‘While…’, particularly with the continuous tense.

While the cheese matures, its flavor improves.

× We prefer while or as (rather than when) to talk about two longer actions that go
on at the same time, although while is more common than as in informal speech.
I went shopping while Linda cleaned the house. (or …as Linda…)

× We use while or when (rather than as) to avoid ambiguity where ‘as’ could mean
‘because’:
While you were playing golf, I went to the cinema. (‘As you were playing golf… could mean
‘Because you were playing golf…)

BEFORE, AFTER, UNTIL

× We use before or after to talk about an event happening earlier or later than another
event
I put on my coat before I went out.
The message arrived after I left.

× We can use either until or before when a situation continues to happen up to the time
indicated in the adverbial clause.
I had to wait six weeks until/before the parcel arrived.

× We use until to talk about an action that continues to a particular time and then stops.
They sat on the beach until the sun sank below the horizon, and then they went home.

× We can use until when the adverbial clause describes the result of an action in the main
clause
He cleaned his shoes until they shone. (‘shining’ is the result of ‘cleaning’)

HARDLY, NO SOONER, SCARCELY

× When we say that one event happened immediately after another, we can use sentences
with hardly, no sooner and scarcely. After hardly and scarcely, the second clause begins
with when or before; after no sooner, it begins with than or when.
The concert had hardly begun before all the lights went out.
I had no sooner lit the barbecue when it started to rain.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES OF REASON

AS, BECAUSE, SINCE, SEEING THAT, SEEING AS
× These conjunctions are used to give reason for a particular situation.
• As it was getting late, I decided I should go home.
• We must be near the beach, because I can hear the waves.
• Since he was going to live in the US for sometime, he thought he should read something
about the country.
• We could go and visit Sue, seeing that we have to drive fast her house anyway.
Notice that:
× It is common and acceptable for because to begin a sentences
× Because everything looked different, I had no idea where to go.
× To give reasons in spoken English, we most often use because. So is also commonly used
to express a similar meaning.
• Because my mother arrived, I won’t be able to meet you. (Because introduces the
reason)
• My mother’s arrived, so I won’t be able to meet you. (So introduces the result)

× When it means ‘because’, ‘since’ is rather formal

• I had to go outside because I was feeling awful. (informal)
• The results of this analysis can be easily compared to future observations
since satellite coverage will remain continuous. (formal context)

× Seeing that and seeing as are used in informal English

× Ken just had to apologize, seeing that/ seeing as he knew he’d made a
mistake.

FOR, IN THAT, INASMUCH AS

× For is a formal alternative to ‘because’; in that and inasmuch as introduce clauses which
clarify what has been said by adding detail.
• We must begin planning now, for the future may bring unexpected changes.
• The film is unusual in that it features only four actors. (or In that…, the film is…)
• Clara and I have quite an easy life, inasmuch as neither of us has to work too hard but
we earn quite a lot of money. (or Inasmuch as…, Clara and I …)

BECAUSE OF, DUE TO, OWING TO

× These could also be used before a noun or noun phrase to give a reason for something.
We were delayed because of an accident.
She was unable to run owing to/ due to a leg injury.

× We don’t use because alone before a noun or noun phrase.

We were delayed because there was an accident. (not …because an accident)

× In current English, we usually avoid owing to directly after a form of be

The company’s success is due to the new director. (not …is owing to…)

× However, owing to is used after be + a degree adverb such as entirely, largely, mainly,
partly.
The low election turnout was partly due to/ owing to the bad weather.

× We can often use it was due to…that or it was owing to…that

It was owing to/ due to his encouragement that she applied for a job.
FOR, WITH (+ NOUN PHRASE) - REASON
× For has a similar meaning to ‘as a result of’
She was looking all the better for her stay in hospital.

× With has similar meaning to ‘as a result of there being’

With so many people ill, I’ve decided to cancel the meeting.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES OF PURPOSES AND RESULTS

IN ORDER/ SO AS + TO-INFINITIVE
× To talk about the purpose of an action
He took a course in order to get a better job.

× In spoken English, it is much more common simply to use a to-infinitive without ‘in
order to’ or ‘so as’ to express the same meaning.
He took the course to get a better job.

× We rarely use ‘not + to infinitive’, instead use ‘so as not to’ or ‘in order not to’
He kept the speech vague in order not to commit himself to one side or the other.

IN ORDER THAT, SO THAT (PURPOSE)

× So that is more common than in order that, and is used in less formal situation.
Informally, we can leave out that after so, but we always include it after in order.
She stayed at work late in order that/ so that she could complete the report.
She stayed at work late in order that/ so she could complete the report.

× A present tense verb in the main clause is usually followed by a present tense verb or a
modal with present or future reference in the clause beginning with in order that/so
that.
Regular checks are made in order that safety standards are maintained.
Advice is given in order that students can choose the best course.

× A past tense verb in the main clause is usually followed by a past tense verb or a modal
with past reference in the clause beginning with in order that/so that.
Did you give up your job so that you could take care of your mother?
I hid the presents so that Jackie wouldn’t find them.

SUCH THAT, IN SUCH A WAY THAT, SUCH + NOUN PHRASE +THAT

× We use these expressions to introduce a result.
The model was designed such that the value of x could be calculated. (= in a way that…,
has the result that…, in order that… so that…)
The ad was printed in such a way that two very different pictures could be seen depending
on how you look at it.
It is such a popular play that the performance was sold out after the first day.
ADVERBIAL CLAUSES OF CONCESSION

ALTHOUGH, THOUGH
× We use although and (less formally) though to say that there is a surprising
contrast between what happened in the main clause and what happened in the
adverbial clause.
Although Reid failed to score himself, he helped Jones to score two goals.

× With a similar meaning, we can use despite the fact that/ in spite of the fact that
or despite/in spite of + -ing
Despite the fact that Reid failed to score himself, he helped Jones to score two goals.
In spite of Reid failing to score himself, he helped Jones to score two goals.

× We can use though, but not although, at the end of a clause.

I eat most dairy products. I’m not keen on yogurt, though.

× We can give special emphasis to an adjective by putting it before though in the

pattern adjective + though + noun/pronoun + verb (usually a linking verb such
as appear, be, become, feel, look, seem, sound, prove, etc.) As can be used instead
of though but not although.
Hot though (or as) the night air was, they slept soundly.
Although/Though the night air was hot, they slept soundly.

EVEN THOUGH, EVEN IF

× We use even though to mean ‘despite the fact that’ and even if to mean ‘whether
or not’.
Even though Tom doesn’t = Despite the fact that he i.e. the speaker knows that
speak Spanish, I think he doesn’t speak Spanish… Tom does not speak Spanish
should still visit Madrid.

Even if Tom doesn’t speak = whether or not he speaks i.e. the speaker doesn’t
Spanish, I think he should Spanish know definitely whether
still visit Madrid. Tom speaks Spanish or not

WHILE, WHILST, WHEREAS

× In formal contexts, we can use while or whilst with a meaning similar to
‘although’ to introduce something that qualifies what is said in the main clause
or something that may seem to conflict with it. In this case, the while/whilst
clause comes before the main clause and not after it.
While/Whilst there is no evidence that Pete cheated, we were all astonished that he
passed the exam.
The diesel model of the car, while/whilst more expensive, is better value for money.
 × We can use while or whereas (or less often, whilst) to say that something
contrasts with something in the main clause. The while/whereas clause may
come before or after the main clause.
Dave gets lots of homework from school, while/ whereas Sue gets very little.
While/ Whereas I always feel I would pass the exam, I never thought I would get
an A grade.
× We don’t use whereas where what is said in the subordinate clause makes what
is said in the main clause unexpected.
Although/ While Sophie’s father is from Spain, she doesn’t speak Spanish. (not
Whereas…)

× We can use –ing and past participle (-ed) clauses after although, though, while, whilst,
and also clauses with the subject and verb left out to see.
Full Adverbial Clause Reduced Adverbial Clause using ING
(Subjects are underlined.)

While I was biking last summer, I fell (While) biking last summer, I fell and
and hurt my knee. hurt my knee.

After we had pitched the tent, we ate After pitching the tent, we ate dinner.
dinner.

Although it is not huge, the garden Although not huge, the garden needs
needs constant attention. constant attention.

Full Adverbial Clause Reduced Adverbial Clause Using ED

Because we were exposed to the sun for (Being) exposed to the sun for so long, we
so long, we got sunburned. got sunburned.

Jody was embarrassed by the photo, so Embarrassed by the photo, Jody left.
she left.

Mom was concerned about Tommy, so she Concerned about Tommy, Mom called the
called the police. police.

Because I was irritated by the dog, Joanne
put it in the backyard.
WRONG: Irritated by the dog, Joanne put it
in the backyard. Written this way, the
sentence means that Joanne was irritated
by the dog. The full clause therefore
cannot be reduced, because it has 2
different subjects, "I" and "Joanne."
CONDITIONALS (IF)

IF (REAL CONDITIONALS)
× In real conditionals, we usually use a present tense verb in the if-clause to talk about the
future
 If you leave now, you’ll be able to catch the 5 o’clock train. (or if you’re leaving now)
× However in conversations, we can use be going to instead of the present tense of the verb
 If I’m going to catch the train, I’ll have to leave now.
 We’ll need more chairs if we’re going to invite so many people in the performance.
× When we make offers and give instructions or advice, we can use an imperative in the main
clause.
 Take another sandwich if you’re hungry.
 If you have a mobile phone, check that it is turned off.
× We can use if-clauses with a present tense verb to introduce certain conditions under which
something is true.
 The video pauses if you press this button.
 If age-related changes are taken into account, the conclusion remains the same.
× We can talk about possible future events with a present perfect verb in the –if-clause and a
future form (will present continuous, or be going to) in the main clause. Sometimes present
perfect or present simple can be used with the same meaning.
 I’ll lend you War and Peace if I’ve finished it before you go on a holiday. (or… if I finish…)
× However, to focus on the future consequences of a past event, we use the present perfect
tense.
 If I’ve failed my math exam again, I’m going to give up the course. (suggests that I have
already taken the exam, I don’t know the result)

IF (UNREAL CONDITIONALS)
× In unreal conditionals, we can use if…were + to-infinitive to talk about imaginary future
situations, particularly to suggest it is unlikely that the situation in the if-clause will happen
 If the technology were to become available, we would be able to expand the business.
× We sometime use this pattern to make a suggestion sound more polite.
 Would it be too early for you if we were to meet at 5:30?
× However, we don’t usually use if…were + to-infinitive with verbs such as belong, doubt,
enjoy, know, like, remember, and understand when they describe a state. (if…+ simple past)
 If I knew they were honest, I’d gladly lend them the money. (not If I were to know…
× We use if it was not for + noun phrase (or more formally, if it were not for+ noun phrase) to
say that one situation is dependent on another situation or on a person
 If it wasn’t/ weren’t for Vivian, the conference wouldn’t be going ahead.
 If it wasn’t/ weren’t for the fact that Chloe would be offended, I wouldn’t go to the party.
× When we talk about the past, we can also use if it had not been for + noun phrase.
 If it hadn’t been for Dad, I wouldn’t have gone to college.
× In formal language, we can also use Were it not for… and Had it not been for…
 Were it not for Vivian… Had it not been for Dad…

× We can use but for + noun with a similar meaning, particularly in formal contexts:
 The village school would have been closed years ago but for the determination of teachers
and parents to keep it open. (=if it hadn’t for the determination…)
IF
× In spoken English we often use if-clauses without a main clause, particularly in polite
requests, instructions, etc.
 If I might say a few words. (=I want to speak)
× When the first verb in a conditional if-clause is should, were or had, we can leave out if and
put the verb at the start of the clause.
 Should any of this cost you anything, send me the bill. (=If any of this should cost…)
 Had they not rushed Jo to the hospital, he would have died. (= If they hadn’t rushed Jo…)
IF… will-
× When we talk about a result of something in the main clause
 Open a window if it will help you to sleep.
× In request or with the meaning “if you are willing to” (or if… would to be more polite)
 If you will/would take your seats ladies and gentlemen, we can begin the meeting.
× In real conditionals when we want to show that we disapprove of something.
 A: I’m tired.
 B: Well, if you will go to bed so late, I/m not surprised.
× We use if…happen to, if…should, if…should happen to to talk about something which may be
possible, but is not very likely.
 If you happen to be in our area, drop in and see us. (or If you should be…
× In comparison clauses, we can use as if followed by a noun phrase, -ing clause, past
participle clause, or to-infinitive to introduce comparison with a situation described in the
main clause.
 Richard walked in as if nothing had happened.
 His hand made a circular motion, as if steering a bus through a sharp bend.
 After scoring, Fowler fell to the floor as if hit by a bullet.
 As if to convince herself that Rob was really there, she gently touched his cheek.
IF I WERE YOU…
× In unreal conditional sentences, can use were after any subject in the if-clause, including
singular first and third person subjects. This use of were is sometimes called past
subjunctive. Although the verb is in the past form, reference is to the imagined present or
future.
 If your mother were here, I’m sure she wouldn’t let you eat all those cookies.
× Was can be used instead of were with the same meaning. (If your mother was here…)
However, were is preferred rather than was when we give advice with if I were you.
 If I were you, I’d take it back to the shop. It’s got a hole in it.
Use of Were in imaginary situations
× When we use were + subject + to-infinitive or were + subject as a more formal alternative to
if + subject + was/were
 Were the election to be held today, the Liberals would easily win. (or If the election
was/were held today…)
× After the verb wish
 I enjoy my job enormously, but I wish it were closer to home.
× After if only when we express our regret that a situation isn’t different
 A: “If your job is so bad, why don’t you leave?”
 B: If only it were that simple. (or If only it was that simple.)
× After would (‘d) rather and would (‘d) sooner) when we talk about preferences
 I feel embarrassed about what happened and would rather the event were forgotten. (or
was forgotten)
 × In sentences and clauses beginning with suppose, supposing and imagine.
 Suppose I were to lower the price by £100. Would you consider buying the car then? (or
Suppose I was…)
× And in comparisons, we can use were after as if and as though
 I can remember stepping off the boat in New York, as if it were yesterday.
 Despite losing the election, she continues to act as though she were the Prime Minister.
If … not and unless, if and whether, etc.
× Unless is used in conditional sentences with the meaning ‘except if’
 You can’t travel on this train unless you have a reservation.
× With unless, we use present tense when we talk about the future,
 Unless it rains, I’ll pick you up at 6:00. (not Unless it will rain…)
× In real conditional sentences, we can often use either unless or if…not with a similar
meaning.
 Unless the theater is able to raise £100,000, it will have to close. (or If the theater isn’t able
to…; implies that ‘it will have to close only if it can’t raise the money’)
We use if…not but not unless
× When we say in the main clause that an event or a action in the if-clause is unexpected
 I’ll be amazed if Christie doesn’t win.
× Usually in questions
 If you don’t pass the test, what will you do?
× When the ‘only if’ implication does not apply.
 If it wasn’t the best performance of Hamlet I’ve seen, it was certainly the strangest.
× We usually use if…not rather than unless in unreal conditional sentences.
 If I weren’t so tired, I’d give you a hand.
× However, unless can be used in unreal conditional sentences when the main clause is
negative
 She wouldn’t have gone to university unless her parents had insisted.
× We use unless but not if…not
 when we introduce an afterthought
o We can leave now- unless you’d rather wait for Jack, of course.
 when a relative clause refers back to a positive phrase
o We can walk to the cinema unless it’s raining, in which case we’ll get a taxi.