Sentence Complexity and Embedding

Adverb Clauses

Now that you have a better grasp of the structure of clauses and the structure of compound sentences, it is time to look at complex sentences. The first step to take is to remember the definition of a complex sentence. This was discussed briefly in Chapter 3 and was just reviewed in the short bridge unit from compundoing to subordinating.

A complex sentence is defined as a sentence with at least two clauses in it. One of the clauses is the main clause, and the second is a subordinate clause. The subordinate clause doesn’t make sense unless it is attached to the main clause.

The second step to take is to understand the relationship between the subordinate clause and the main clause of the sentence. We saw that there are three different types of relationships: some subordinate clauses serve in the same ways as adverbs, some as adjectives, and some as nouns. To begin to develop a deeper understanding of how subordinate clauses can function in the same ways as adverbs do, do Activity 14.1.

Activity 14.1: Introducing Adverb Clauses

Exercise A: What is an adverb? Are there any other types of grammatical structures that can perform the same functions in a sentence?

Reflection: Respond to the the questions in the box below, then click on the solution button to see the recommended answer.

ExerciseB: Find the parts of the sentences that answer the given questions.

Type or copy-paste the word or words that answer the question into the text box. When correct, options will appear to define the word or words grammatically. Select from the options to define the word or words.

The Function of Adverb Clauses

Many grammatical structures function as verb modifiers providing the same kinds of information as we associate with adverbs. As the sentences in Exercise A of Activity 14.1 show, the basic meanings of when, where, why, how, and in what situation can all be answered with single word adverbs, prepositional phrases, or entire clauses. We often call the clauses adverb clauses. An adverb clause is a type of subordinate clause because it is a clause that functions in the same way that an adverb does; it doesn’t provide the main thought of the speaker but provides additional information about that thought.

Activity 14.2: Recognizing Adverb Clauses

Find the adverb clauses in the following sentences. Then tell what meanings they have. Finally, look at their locations in the whole sentence structure and notice how they begin.

Exercise A: Select each adverb clause by enclosing it in braces, [ ]. Do not include blank spaces. Once the adverb clause is correctly selected, it will turn blue and a box will appear at the end of the sentence. Drag the appropriate term from the top of the page into each box to define the meanings. Terms may be used more than once.

Exercise B – Now look at the parts you have underlined, and test to see if they are indeed clauses. Draw a vertical line to separate the subject from the predicate just in the underlined portions.

Exercise C -- Finally, consider how you knew where the adverb clause began and ended. Circle any word(s) that signaled the beginning of the adverb clause.

Adverb Clauses 2