Types of adverb clause
The linking word tells the reader how the two ideas connect.
| Type | Common linking words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time | when, while, before, after, until, as soon as | Call me as soon as you arrive. |
| Reason | because, since, as | Since it was late, we took a taxi. |
| Contrast | although, though, even though, whereas | Although the flat is small, it is bright. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | You'll pass if you keep practising. |
| Purpose | so that, in order that | She saved money so that she could study abroad. |
| Result | so ... that, such ... that | The film was so long that I fell asleep. |
| Place | where, wherever | Sit wherever you like. |
Commas with adverb clauses
When the adverb clause comes first, put a comma after it: "If it rains, the match will be cancelled."
When it comes after the main clause, you usually need no comma: "The match will be cancelled if it rains." Contrast clauses with whereas or although often take a comma in either position, because they add a separate point.
Tense in time and condition clauses
After when, as soon as, before, after, until and if, use a present tense to talk about the future: "I'll phone you when I get home", not "when I will get home".
Use the present perfect to stress that one action finishes first: "You can leave after you have finished the test."
Common mistakes
Wrong: When I will finish my degree, I will look for a job.
Right: When I finish my degree, I will look for a job.
Time clauses use a present tense for the future.
Wrong: Although he is rich, but he lives simply.
Right: Although he is rich, he lives simply.
Use although or but, not both.
Wrong: Despite of the rain, we went out.
Right: Although it was raining, we went out.
Despite takes no of, and it is followed by a noun, not a clause. Use although before a clause.
Wrong: Because I was ill. I missed the class.
Right: Because I was ill, I missed the class.
The adverb clause can't stand alone. Join it to the main clause with a comma.
Using this in IELTS and PTE
Adverb clauses are the main way to show cause, contrast and condition in IELTS Task 2 and PTE Write Essay: "Although technology saves time, it can also isolate people." Using a range of linking words accurately supports the coherence and grammar criteria, but don't force them in. In IELTS Speaking, natural clauses with because, when and if are enough.
5 questions
Exercise
Try each one, then open it to check your answer.
1. Name the type: "Unless you book early, the tickets will sell out."
Condition.
Unless means if not.
2. Add a comma if needed: "When the bell rang the students left."
When the bell rang, the students left.
The adverb clause comes first, so it takes a comma.
3. Correct this: "I'll wait here until you will come back."
I'll wait here until you come back.
Present tense after until for a future meaning.
4. Name the type: "He spoke quietly so that the baby wouldn't wake."
Purpose.
So that explains the aim of the action.
5. Choose: "(Although / Despite) the traffic was heavy, we arrived on time."
Although
A full clause follows, with traffic as subject and was as verb.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an adverb clause and an adverb phrase?+
An adverb clause has a subject and a verb ("when the sun rose"). An adverb phrase doesn't ("at sunrise" or "very early").
What is the difference between although and despite?+
Although is followed by a clause: "although it rained". Despite is followed by a noun or -ing form: "despite the rain" or "despite feeling ill".
Do I always need a comma after an adverb clause?+
When it starts the sentence, a comma is standard. Some writers drop it after a very short clause, but keeping it is never wrong.
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