6.3.1.3 Adverbial Clauses
6.3.1.3 Adverbial Clauses
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In the previous lecture, we learned that there are three types of finite dependent clauses. According to their functions in a sentence, they can be
Adjectival: modifying nouns, often known as relative clauses,
Nominal: filling in the slots typically occupied by nouns (i.e., subject, object, and complement)
Adverbial: modifying verbs (specifying time, place, manner, etc.) or a sentence (expressing stance)
We've learned to identify relative and nominal clauses. In this lecture, we'll focus on adverbial clauses.
A. Different Types of Adverbial Clauses
A. Different Types of Adverbial Clauses
Advl. of Time
I want to clean the floor {before I take a load of stuff in}.
He always puts the papers in the garage {after he has read them}.
I haven's seen her {since she turned 16}.
{When the concert ended}, the audience cheered.
2. Advl. of Place
The squad car pulled up {where a crowd had gathered}.
{Where Gregorio's grandfather lived}, everyone grew soybeans.
3. Advl. of Manner
The members of the audience remained seated, {as though they expected an encore}.
Mattie felt conspicuous on the stage, {as if everyone were watching her}.
4. Advl. of Cause/Reason
The clocks are slow {because the power went off in the storm}.
{Because the turkey isn't fully cooked yet}, dinner will be delayed.
5. Advl. of Condition
{If they don't repair this properly}, I won't pay for it.
He decided to stay an extra day, {unless his money was running low}.
6. Advl. of Concession
{Although I like coffee}, I don't feel like one today.
{Even though she was injured}, she finished the race.
B. Position of Adverbial Clauses
B. Position of Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses can be placed before or after the main (independent) clause. However, the focus of the sentence shifts with the movement.
For example,
{Although I studied hard}, I failed the exam.
I failed the exam, {although I studied hard}.
Which sentence shall a kid tell his/her parents after failing an exam?
(clue: end weight; given -> new information)
C. Adverbials:
C. Adverbials:
It is a grammatical function that can be fulfilled by a clause, a phrase (PP, AdvP, & occasionally NP).
There are three types of adverbials: circumstantial, stance, and linking.
1. Circumstance adverbials: tell circumstances relating to the clause
Place (distance, direction, position):
I had to go [a long way] to put the camp behind me. NP: Advl
You used to walk [to the store]; now you ride. PP: Advl.
Time (point in time, duration, frequency, time relationship):
I’ll see you all [tomorrow night]. NP: Advl
It lasted [years]; [Occasionally] she would like to gaze out the window. NP: Advl AdvP: Advl.
Process (manner, means, instrument, agent):
Then I'd go through the refrigerator [like a vacuum cleaner].
We examined this question [by excluding birds for 3 years] [from experimental plots].
She fed it [with a teaspoon]; The fruit-pulp is also eaten [by animals].
Contingency (reason/cause)- for the purpose/sake of
Degree/extent – a bit, completely, very much
Addition/restriction – also, too
2. Stance adverbials: express a speaker's attitudes, feelings, evaluation, or comments on what the clause is about.
Epistemic = certainty/doubt
Well, she definitely looks at her mobile. AdvP: Advl.
Maybe it’s true. AdvP: Advl.
Attitude
Fortunately, I kept a journal. AdvP: Advl.
Style = the manner of conveying the message
Well, honestly, I don't know. AdvP: Advl.
3. Linking adverbials: link the clause (or some part of it) to another clause
Enumerating and addition:
Furthermore, the committee's decision wouldn't be legally binding.
AdvP: Advl.
Lastly, in the first place, also, by the same token, further.
AdvP: Advl.
Summation: in sum, to conclude, in conclusion, in a nutshell
Result/inference: so, consequently, therefore
Transition: meanwhile, instead, rather
Recommended Video:
You can watch these videos to learn adverbial clauses explained in a different way. Note that the speakers do not distinguish between PP (form) and function (adverbial).
Adverbial (of time, place, manner, cause etc.) is a label of function.
It can be fulfilled by different forms (PP, AdvP, NP, & DC).
PRACTICE:
PRACTICE:
Ex. 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 (p. 303 - 308)
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