English Grammar

Adverbial Clauses: Definition, Types, and Examples in English

Types of adverbial clauses with examples

When we speak or write, we often want to give more details about an action—like when it happened, why it happened, or how it happened. Sometimes a single word (an adverb) is enough, but other times we need a little more explanation. That’s where adverbial clauses come in, adding clarity and detail to our sentences.

In this article, we’ll explore what adverbial clauses are, the different types, and how to use them effectively with examples.

What is an Adverbial Clause?

An adverbial clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that works just like an adverb in a sentence. In other words, it gives us extra details about the action, telling us when, where, why, how, or under what condition something happens.

Unlike a full sentence, an adverbial clause cannot stand on its own; it always depends on the main clause to complete the meaning. That’s why it’s called a dependent clause.
Examples:

  • I stayed inside because it was raining.
    • (The clause because it was raining explains why I stayed inside.)
  • She smiled when she saw her friend.
    • (The clause when she saw her friend tells us when she smiled.)
Examples of adverbial clauses in sentences
Adverbial clause examples

How to Use Adverbial Clauses?

Adverbial clauses are used to give extra details about the action in a sentence. They can explain when something happens, where it takes place, why it happens, how it happens, or under what condition it happens. This makes your sentences richer and easier to understand.

An adverbial clause always begins with a subordinating conjunction such as because, if, although, when, after, before, since, or while. These words act like a signal that an adverbial clause is coming.

Adverbial placement rules

You can place them at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on what you want to highlight. Let’s look at how they work in each position.

Adverbial Clauses at the Beginning

When an adverbial clause comes at the start of a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma. This helps separate the dependent clause from the main clause.
Examples:

  • If you study well, you will pass the test.
  • Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
  • Before you leave, check the door is locked.

Adverbial Clauses in the Middle

If the adverbial clause appears in the middle, it is usually set off with commas on both sides. Even if you remove it, the main sentence still makes sense.
Examples:

  • My brother, because he was tired, went straight to bed.
  • The teacher, although she was strict, cared for her students.
  • This phone, since it is brand new, comes with a warranty.

Adverbial Clauses at the End

When an adverbial clause is placed at the end of a sentence, a comma is not usually needed unless it adds emphasis or clarity.
Examples:

  • She stayed home because she was sick.
  • I will call you when I reach the station.
  • The children kept quiet until the teacher entered.

Adverbial Clause vs. Adverbial Phrase

Adverbial clauses and adverbial phrases might look similar because both give extra information about a verb, adjective, or another adverb. But there’s one key difference: an adverbial clause has a subject and a verb, while an adverbial phrase does not.

  • An adverbial phrase is just a group of words acting like an adverb.
  • An adverbial clause is a whole mini-sentence (with a subject and verb) that also acts like an adverb.

Examples of adverbial phrases:

  • She ran with great speed.
  • We’ll meet in the morning.

Examples of adverbial clauses:

  • She ran because she was late.
  • We’ll meet when the sun rises.

So, the phrase gives you detail in a shorter way, while the clause gives more complete information with its own subject and verb.

Types of adverbial clauses

Adverbial clauses can do different jobs in a sentence depending on the kind of information they give us. Some tell us when something happens, others explain why, how, where, or under what condition it happens. Let’s break them down into simple categories with examples.

Type of Adverbial ClauseFunction (What it shows)Example
TimeTells when something happensI’ll call you when I get home.
PlaceTells where something happensYou can sit wherever you like.
MannerShows how something happensShe danced as if nobody was watching.
ReasonExplains why something happensHe stayed home because he was sick.
ConditionExplains what happens if/unless something else happensWe’ll go out if the weather improves.
PurposeExplains the goal or aim of an actionShe spoke slowly so that everyone could understand.
ComparisonCompares one thing with anotherHe is taller than his brother is.
ConcessionShows contrast or unexpected resultAlthough he was tired, he kept working.

Why Adverbial Clauses Are Important?

Adverbial clauses matter because they affect punctuation, especially comma use. When an adverbial clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, it should be followed by a comma to make the sentence clear.
Example:

  • Because it was raining, we stayed home.
  • Because it was raining we stayed home.

When it comes at the end, a comma is usually not needed, unless you want to add a pause or slightly change the meaning.
Example:

  • We stayed home because it was raining.
  • We stayed home, because it was raining. (This changes the meaning!)

Using commas correctly with adverbial clauses helps avoid confusion and keeps your writing easy to read.

Summary

As we learned, adverbial clauses are groups of words with a subject and verb that act like adverbs, adding details such as when, where, why, or how something happens. They can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, and their position affects comma use. Unlike adverbial phrases, clauses have both a subject and a verb. Learning them helps make sentences clearer, more detailed, and easier to read.

FAQs about Adverbial Clauses

Q1. What is an adverbial clause?

An adverbial clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that works like an adverb. It tells us more about the action in a sentence—for example, when it happened, why it happened, how it happened, or under what condition.

Q2. How do you identify an adverbial clause?

You can spot an adverbial clause by looking for subordinating conjunctions like because, although, if, when, after, or since. If the group of words has its own subject and verb and answers questions like when? why? how? or under what condition?, it’s an adverbial clause.

Q3. Can you give some examples of adverbial clauses?

Sure! Here are a few:
• I stayed home because I wasn’t feeling well.
• She smiled when her friend arrived.
• We’ll go for a picnic if the weather is good.
• He kept running although he was tired.
• Call me before you leave the house.

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About the author

Kashish Zahra

Kashish Zahra is an English teacher and blogger with over 6 years of experience in language instruction. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of the Punjab and works with adult learners worldwide through the online platform Cambly. She teaches English grammar, writing, and communication with a focus on real-world usage and learner confidence. Through her blog, she shares practical English tips and lessons with a global audience.