The document discusses various types of adverb clauses including clauses of time, place, reason, condition, and contrast. It provides examples of each type of clause and explains how they are used to modify verbs or entire sentences. Adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions like because, if, when, where, and while and add details about time, place, reason, condition or contrast. Commas are sometimes needed to separate adverb clauses from main clauses.

1. Adverb Clauses
Dance Lessons
7

2. Never feel like a stiff penguin
on the dance floor again…
… or worse, like a clumsy
monster.
We will teach you all the slick moves of tango and many other
dances. When you start dancing, your life will change forever!
Yes, you can dance!

3. We’re getting swing dance
lessons because we want to
look good on the dance floor!
I’m going to get swing dance
lessons when I’m big.
Adverb Clauses 1
Adverb clauses are dependent clauses. They answer
the questions how, when, where, or why.

4. Adverb Clauses 2
Adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions
(also called subordinating adverbs).
because
although
if when
while
only if
Examples

5. Since dancing is a great way to relieve
stress we’re signing up for dance lessons.
Adverb Clauses 3
A comma is necessary only if an adverb clause precedes a
main clause. Adverb clauses may precede or follow a main
clause.
No
comma
Comma
,
We’re signing up for dance lessons since
dancing is a great way to relieve stress.

6. Be Careful!
In future time clauses, use will and be going to in the
main clause but not in the dependent clause.
Future
Present
They are going to get tango lessons
because they want to stand out on
the dance floor!

7. He gets more enjoyment out of his social life.
I plan to take dance lessons because I want to
have more fun in my life.
Because I want to have more fun in my life I
plan to take dance lessons.
I plan to take dance lessons.
They are going to feel at ease dancing when they
overcome their shyness.
When they overcome their shyness they are going to
feel at ease dancing.
He will be a happier person if he gets more enjoyment out
of his social life.
If he gets more enjoyment out of his social life he will be
a happier person.
because
He will be a happier person.
I want to have more fun in my life.
Form sentences with main
clauses preceding and
following the adverb clauses.
Example:
if
They are going to feel at ease dancing.
They are going to overcome their shyness.
when
Practice 1
,
,
1.
,
2.

8. As soon as you start dancing salsa,
you burn about 10 calories a minute.
You won’t stop dancing once you feel
at ease with the tango steps.
Adverb Clauses of Time
Adverb clauses of time answer the question when.
Subordinating conjunctions include: as soon as, once.
As soon as and once express the idea that when
one event happens, another event happens too.

9. Wherever there is a dance party,
there is an opportunity to meet new
people.
Adverb Clauses of Place
Adverb clauses of place answer the question where.
Subordinating conjunctions include: where, wherever.
I look for parties where I can dance
and meet new people.

10. Since I need more exercise,
I signed up for a ballet class.
I love to dance because
dancing is great exercise.
Adverb Clauses of Reason
Adverb clauses of reason answer the question why.
Subordinating conjunctions include: because, since.

11. Adverb Clauses of Condition 1
Adverb clauses of condition answer the question under
what condition. Subordinating conjunctions include: if,
unless.
We won’t enjoy parties if we don’t become
better dancers.
We won’t enjoy parties unless we become
better dancers.
Unless here means “if we
don’t.”

12. Adverb Clauses of Condition 2
Other subordinating conjunctions include: even if and
only if.
Only if means that only one
condition will produce the result.
Even if
means
that the
condition
doesn’t
matter;
the result
will be
the same
We’ll have fun at the party even if we
don’t get to dance.
We’ll have fun at the party only if we
get to dance.

13. Robert signed them
up for waltz lessons
even though Rhonda
wanted to learn
salsa.
Whereas Rhonda
prefers salsa,
Robert prefers the
waltz.
Adverb Clauses of Contrast
Adverb clauses of contrast point out two opposing ideas.
Subordinating conjunctions include: although, even if,
even though, though, whereas, while.

14. She is taking a dance class.
She wants to meet new friends.
I began dancing last year. I
feel happier and healthier.
Since I began dancing last year, I feel
happier and healthier.
You include warm-up exercises.
Dancing won’t hurt you.
If you include warm-up exercises, dancing
won’t hurt you.
He takes ballroom dance every semester.
He isn’t a happy person.
Unless he takes ballroom dance every
semester, he isn’t a happy person.
She is taking a dance class because
she wants to meet new friends.
Example:
Dance will help you to be healthier.
Most people associate dance only with loud parties.
since
once
unless
because
even
though
if
Dance will help you to be healthier, even though most
people associate dance only with loud parties.
Combine the sentences with
the correct conjunctions.
Practice 2
1.
2.
3.
4.

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References