English Grammar

Kinds of Adverb Clauses

Adverb clauses of degree or comparison

Adverb clauses of degree tell us about the degree or extent of an action, quality or manner. They answer the questions how much, how little or how many? Adverb clauses of degree are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like as, as … as, so … as and than.

• She is not so intelligent as her sister.
• Her husband is much younger than she is.
• She is as wise as she is beautiful.

Adverb clauses of time and definite frequency

Adverb clauses of time and definite frequency tell us when something happens. They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like when, whenever, before, after, as, since and till.

• We got the seeds planted before the rains came.
• After the play ended, we sang the national anthem.
• I shall wait until you have finished dressing.
• Whenever you get an idea for a story, you should jot it down in a note book.

Adverb clauses of place

Adverb clauses of place are introduced by the conjunctions where and wherever.

• Where there is a will there is a way.
• Grapes won’t grow where there is heavy rainfall.
• Wherever you go, I shall follow you.

Adverb clauses of manner

Adverb clauses of manner say how something happens or is done. They are introduced by conjunctions like as, as if, as though and in that.

• You may do as you please.
• He looks as if he were frightened.
• The old farmer nodded, as though he understood every word.
• John gave us a pleasant surprise in that he stood first in the examination.

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