Adverbial clause

ADVERBIAL CLAUSE

  a.definition

Adverbial clause is a clause that functions as an adverb. In other words, contains a subject (explicit or implied) and predicate, and modify the verb.

Example:
    * I saw Joe when I go to the store. (The subject of explicit I)
    * He sat calmly in order to appear polite. (The subject implied he)

According to Sidney Greenbaum and Randolph Quirk, adverbial clauses function primarily as an additional means or disjuncts. In their functions as adverbial phrases, but their potential for greater assertiveness, they more often such as prepositional phrases (Greenbaum and Quirk, 1990):

Adverbial clause types:
time clauses when, before, after, since, while, like, during, until, etc.

*Adverb Clauses with Time

1. When

• He was talking on the phone when I arrived.
• We'll go to lunch when you come to visit.

2. Before

• We will finish before he arrives.
• She (had) left before I telephoned.

3. After

• We will finish after he comes.
• She ate after I (had) left.

4. While, as

• She began cooking while I was finishing my homework.
• As I was finishing my homework, she began cooking.

5. By the time

• By the time he finished, I had cooked dinner.
• We will have finished our homework by the time they arrive.

F. Until, till

• We waited until he finished his homework.
• I'll wait till you finish.

G. Since

• I have played tennis since I was a young boy.
• They have worked here since 1987.

H. As soon as

• He will let us know as soon as he decides (or as soon as he has decided).
• As soon as I hear from Tom, I will give you a telephone call.

I. Whenever, every time

• Whenever he comes, we go to have lunch at "Dick's".
• We take a hike every time he visits.

J. The first, second, third, fourth etc., next, last time

• The first time I went to New York, I was intimidated by the city.
• I saw Jack the last time I went to San Francisco.
• The second time I played tennis, I began to have fun.

Kinds of adverbial clauses

kind of clause	common conjunctions	function	example
time clauses	when, before, after, since, while, as, as long as, until,til, etc. (conjunctions that answer the question "when?"); hardly, scarcely, no sooner, etc	These clauses are used to say when something happens by referring to a period of time or to another event.	Her father died when she was young.
conditional clauses	if, unless	These clauses are used to talk about a possible situation and its consequences.	If they lose weight during an illness, they soon regain it afterwards.
purpose clauses	in order to, so that, in order that	These clauses are used to indicate the purpose of an action.	They had to take some of his land so that they could extend the churchyard.
reason clauses	because, since, as, given	These clauses are used to indicate the reason for something.	I couldn't feel anger against him because I liked him too much.
result clauses	so..that	These clauses are used to indicate the result of something.	My suitcase had become so damaged on the journey home that the lid would not stay closed.
concessive clauses	although, though, while	These clauses are used to make two statements, one of which contrasts with the other or makes it seem surprising.	I used to read a lot although I don't get much time for books now
place clauses	where, wherever, anywhere, everywhere, etc. (conjunctions that answer the question "where?")	These clauses are used to talk about the location or position of something.	He said he was happy where he was.
clauses of manner	as, like, the way	These clauses are used to talk about someone's behaviour or the way something is done.	I was never allowed to do things the way I wanted to do them.
clauses of exclamation	what a(an), how, such, so	Exclamations are used to express anger, fear, shock, surprise etc. They always take an exclamation mark (!).	What horrible news! How fast she types! You lucky man!

contoh adverbial clause

Romeo and Juliet's Romantic and Tragic Story"

           In the town of Verona there lived two families, the Capulets and the Montagues. They engaged in a bitter feud. Among the Montagues was Romeo, a hot-blooded young man with an eye for the ladies. One day, Romeo attended the feast of the Capulets', a costume party where he expected to meet his love, Rosaline, a haughty beauty from a well-to-do family. Once there, however, Romeo's eyes felt upon Juliet, and he thought of Rosaline no more.

          The vision of Juliet had been invading his every thought. Unable to sleep, Romeo returned late that night to the Juliet's bedroom window. There, he was surprised to find Juliet on the balcony, professing her love for him and wishing that he were not a "Montague", a name behind his own. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Romeo was ready to deny his name and professed his love. The two agreed to meet at nine o-clock the next morning to be married.

           Early the next morning, Romeo came to Friar Lawrence begging the friar to marry him to Juliet. The Friar performed the ceremony, praying that the union might someday put an end to the feud between the two families. He advised Romeo kept the marriage a secret for a time.

           On the way home, Romeo chanced upon his friend Mercutio arguing with Tybalt, a member of the Capulet clan. That qurreling last caused Merquito died. Romeo was reluctant no longer. He drew his sword and slew Tybalt died. Romeo realized he had made a terrible mistake. Then Friar Lawrence advised Romeo to travel to Mantua until things cool down. He promised to inform Juliet.
In the other hand, Juliet's father had decided the time for her to marry with Paris. Juliet consulted Friar Lawrence and made a plot to take a sleeping potion for Juliet which would simulate death for three days. The plot proceeded according to the plan. Juliet was sleeping in death.

         Unfortunately, The Friar's letter failed to reach Romeo. Under the cover of darkness, he broke into Juliet's tomb. Romeo kissed the lips of his Juliet one last time and drank the poison. Meanwhile, the effects of the sleeping potion wear off. Juliet woke up calling for Romeo. She found her love next to her but was lying dead, with a cup of poison in his hand. She tried to kiss the poison from his lips, but failed. Then Juliet put out his dagger and plunged it into her breast. She died