The Adverb Clause
Recognize an adverb clause when you see one.
An adverb clause will meet three requirements:
- First, it will contain a subject and verb.
- You will also find a subordinate conjunction that keeps the clause from expressing a complete thought.
- Finally, you will notice that the clause answers one of these three adverb questions: How? When? or Why?
Read these examples:
Tommy scrubbed the bathroom tile until his arms ached.
How did Tommy scrub? Until his arms ached, an adverb clause.
Josephine's three cats bolted from the driveway once they saw her car turn the corner.
When did the cats bolt? Once they saw her car turn the corner, an adverb clause.
After her appointment at the orthodontist, Danielle cooked eggs for dinner because she could easily chew an omelet.
Why did Danielle cook eggs? Because she could easily chew an omelet, an adverb clause.