Lesson Introduction
Part 1
Adverb Clauses
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Key Points |
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An adverb clause is a dependent clause that modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb in the main clause. It contains a subject and a verb and begins with a subordinating conjunction.
Adverb clauses can express time, condition, concession,
reason, purpose, place, manner, or comparison. When an adverb clause comes before the main clause, use a comma after it. A comma is usually unnecessary when the adverb clause follows the main clause. |
An adverb clause gives additional information about the action or situation in the main clause. It can answer questions such as “when?”, “where?”, “why?”, “how?”, or “under what condition?”
▶️ An adverb clause cannot stand alone
Because an adverb clause is dependent, it must be connected to an independent main clause to form a complete sentence.
When the meeting ends, we will go out for dinner.
We will go out for dinner
when the meeting ends.
▶️ Position and punctuation
An adverb clause can appear before or after the main clause. When it appears first, separate it from the main clause with a comma. When it appears second, a comma is usually not needed.
Although the weather was cold, we went for a walk.
We went for a walk
although the weather was cold.
▶️ Adverb clauses and prepositional phrases
An adverb clause contains a subject and a verb. A prepositional phrase is followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund instead.
She has worked here
since she graduated.
She has worked here
since graduation.
In the first sentence, “since she graduated” is an adverb clause because it contains the subject “she” and the verb “graduated.” In the second sentence, “since graduation” is a prepositional phrase.
Adverb Clauses Expressing Time
|
Adverb clause |
Preposition |
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since S + V |
since + N / Ving |
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until S + V |
until + N / Ving |
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by the time S + V |
by + N / Ving |
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while/when S + V |
during + N / Ving |
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once S + V |
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|
as soon as S + V |
on/upon + N / Ving |
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before/after S + V |
prior to/following + N / Ving |
▶️ since
It has been 5 years
since I studied in
England.
She has learned to play the piano
since 1999.
▶️ until
I cannot leave until I
finish my work.
I cannot leave
until six in the
morning.
▶️ by the time… / by…
By the time I got
there, she had already left.
You need to submit the report
by Friday.
▶️ while/when/during
While/when
she was writing the letter, the doorbell rang.
I prefer to work
during the night.
▶️ Once
Once I make a decision, I'll never regret it.
▶️ As soon as…/ On…/ Upon…
As soon as I finish my
work, I'll join you for lunch.
Upon opening the
package, she noticed something was missing.
▶️ Before/prior to; after/following
I have to finish this report
before I leave the
office today.
The university requires students to complete certain requirements
before
graduation.
After he finishes his
speech, there will be a farewell party.
Following the speech,
there will be a farewell party.
Tenants should clean the apartment a few days
prior to the move-out
date.
TOEIC Example: _____ the labor agreement was signed, the factory resumed the production of new cars.
(A) As if
(B) As soon as
(C) Whatever
(D) Except
The correct answer is (B) As soon as.
(B) "As soon as"
is the correct answer because it establishes a clear and immediate
cause-effect relationship between two events in the past. In this
case, the signing of the labor agreement (cause) immediately led
to the resumption of car production (effect). This is a common
grammatical construct used to indicate that one action happened
instantly after another.
(A) "As if" is incorrect
because it is used to describe a hypothetical situation or
something that is not true. The context clearly indicates that
these are actual events.
(C) "Whatever" is incorrect
because it is typically used to refer to any thing or amount, or
regardless of what. None of these meanings fit the context of the
sentence.
(D) "Except" is incorrect because it is used
to indicate an exclusion or to state something as an exception. In
this sentence, there is no exception or exclusion being mentioned.
The answer is (B)。
Continue to next part:
Part 2
Adverb Clauses Expressing Conditions
|
Adverb clause |
Preposition |
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Unless S + V |
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In case (that) S + V |
In case of + N / Ving |
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In the event that S + V |
In the event of + N / Ving |
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If S+V = Provided that S+V |
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On condition that S + V |
On condition of + N / Ving |
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Assuming that S + V = Suppose S+V |
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As long as S + V |
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As far as S + V Whether S+V |
▶️ Unless
We won't be able to move to a bigger place unless we find a better-paying job.
▶️ If
If the weather gets better, I will attend the event.
Refunds are only available if items are returned within seven days.
▶️ Whether
Whether you go by bus or train. you're going to be late
In case (that) S + V = In case of + N / Ving
We have booked an indoor venue
in case it rains
tomorrow.
We have booked an indoor venue
in case of rain.
▶️ In the event that S = In the event of + N / Ving
In the event that the
performance is canceled, you can get your money back.
In the event of a
fire, please use the emergency exits to evacuate the building.
▶️ On condition that S + V
I will lend you my car
on condition that you
return it by tomorrow evening.
I will lend you my car
on condition of its
return by tomorrow evening.
▶️ Assuming that S + V = Suppose S+V
Assuming that the
earth is round, we should meet one day.
Suppose you won the
lottery—what would you do with the money?
▶️ As long as S + V
I can lend you some money, as long as you promise to give it back, including 10% interest.
TOEIC Example: _____ the appliance breaks down within a year of purchase, the manufacturer is required to send the buyer a replacement at no charge.
(A) While
(B) Until
(C) Since
(D) If
The correct answer is (D) If.
In this sentence, the
word "If" is used as a conjunction introducing a condition or
situation which is supposed to happen or not happen. The clause
"the appliance breaks down within a year of purchase" represents a
condition. If this condition is met, then something (the
manufacturer is required to send the buyer a replacement at no
charge) will happen. Therefore, "If" is the most appropriate word
to use.
(A) While is incorrect because it is used to
indicate simultaneous actions or states, which is not the case in
this sentence.
(B) Until is incorrect because it is
used to denote a time point before something happens. Here, the
condition is not about time, it's about an event (the appliance
breaks down).
(C) Since is incorrect because it is
mainly used to express the reason or cause of something.
Meanwhile, in this sentence, the breakdown of the appliance is not
a reason or cause; it's a hypothetical situation.
In
conclusion, the sentence is setting a condition using "if", not
expressing time with "until", not showing simultaneous action with
"while", and not stating a cause with "since".
TOEIC Example: The goal of ending poverty would be achievable ____ consumption per person in developing countries increases by around 4 percent a year.
(A) whereas
(B) even
(C) in order that
(D) as long as
The correct answer is (D) as long as.
"As long as" is
a conjunction that is often used to express a condition. In this
sentence, it means that the goal of ending poverty can be achieved
on the condition that consumption per person in developing
countries increases by around 4 percent a year.
(A)
"Whereas" is used to contrast two statements or facts. In this
sentence, there is no contrast between two facts or statements, so
"whereas" is not suitable.
(B) "Even" is generally not
used as a conjunction. It often emphasizes a surprising or extreme
situation. It doesn't convey a condition, so it's not suitable for
this sentence.
(C) "In order that" is used to express a
purpose or goal. In this sentence, we need to express a condition,
not a purpose or goal, so "in order that" is not suitable.
Adverb Clauses Expressing Concessions
|
Adverb clause |
Preposition |
|
Though = Although |
Despite (the fact that) + S + V
Despite + N / Ving |
|
While |
▶️ Though = Although = Even though + S + V
Though he didn't like
the taste, he ate the food to be polite.
Although Mr. Walker
missed his train, he still managed to be on time for the awards
ceremony.
Even though
it was an expensive trip, the vacation was worth every penny.
▶️ Despite (the fact that) + S + V
Despite (the fact that) she didn't have any experience at all, she got hired anyway.
▶️ Despite + N / Ving
Despite the pain,
he was able to finish the marathon.
She decided to go skydiving
despite her fear of
heights.
Despite repeated
assurances that the company was financially stable, it went bankrupt
the following year.
▶️ In spite of + N / Ving
We still enjoyed the concert
in spite of the
rain.
In spite of the
company claiming that the product is safe, many people have stopped
buying it.
▶️ Regardless of + N/ Ving
The plan for a new office building went ahead
regardless of local
opposition.
Regardless of today's
weather conditions, the concert will go as planned tomorrow night at
6 p. m.
▶️ While + S + V
While many people
like cilantro, there are also many people who hate it.
While I fully
understand your point of view, I have to agree with Michael on this
topic.
▶️ While/whereas + S + V
Many people like cilantro,
while/whereas
there are also many people who hate it.
He makes £50, 000 a year
while/whereas
I only make £20, 000!
TOEIC Example: _____ gold prices have stabilized, oil prices have increased significantly due to production shortages in the Middle East.
(A) As long as
(B) While
(C) As if
(D) since
The correct answer is (B) While.
"While" is the
correct answer because it is used to express two events happening
at the same time but with contrasting outcomes. In this sentence,
it is used to show that while gold prices have remained steady,
oil prices have increased significantly.
(A) "As long
as" usually expresses a condition. In this context, the sentence
would read as "As long as gold prices have stabilized, oil prices
have increased significantly," which implies that the increase in
oil prices depends on the stabilization of gold prices. This
doesn't fit the context of the sentence.
(C) "As if" is
used to make a comparison or to express an unreal situation. If we
use it in the sentence, it would imply that oil prices are
increasing as if gold prices have stabilized, but it doesn't fit
in this context.
(D) "Since" is used to indicate a
period of time from a point in the past until now. If we use it in
the sentence, it would read "Since gold prices have stabilized,
oil prices have increased significantly," which implies that the
increase in oil prices happened after the stabilization of gold
prices. This is not the intended meaning of the sentence.
Continue to next part:
Part 3
Adverb Clauses Expressing Reasons
|
Adverb clause |
Preposition |
|
Because S + V |
Because of + N / Ving |
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Seeing that |
Given + N |
|
Now that |
Because it rained
heavily, I stayed indoors all day yesterday.
She missed the bus
because she
overslept.
I stayed indoors all day yesterday
because of the heavy
rain.
Since we've got a few
minutes to wait for the train, let's have a cup of coffee.
As it was getting
late, I decided to check into a hotel.
The bus was delayed
due to heavy snow.
Given that the
customer is unhappy, we must resolve the issue quickly.
We should be prepared for some bad weather,
considering that it's
hurricane season.
We should double-check the details,
seeing that mistakes
can be costly.
Given her
young age, I don't blame her.
Now that you have
completed your project, you can take a few days off.
TOEIC Example: Farmers are likely to appeal to the government for assistance _____ that agricultural exports have dropped enormously over the past two years.
(A) In case
(B) unless
(C) considering
(D) until
The correct answer is (C) considering.
"Considering"
is used in this sentence as a preposition, introducing the reason
for the farmers' likely appeal which is "that agricultural exports
have dropped enormously over the past two years". The use of
"considering" indicates that the information given is the basis or
reason for the action described in the main clause.
(A)
"In case" is incorrect because it is used to refer to a possible
future situation and it doesn't make sense in this context. It
would imply that the farmers appeal to the government for
assistance only if the exports drop, not because the exports have
already dropped.
(B) "Unless" is incorrect because it
introduces a condition that contradicts the action in the main
clause. It would imply that the farmers will appeal for assistance
only if the exports do not drop, which is illogical based on the
context.
(D) "Until" is incorrect because it sets a
time limit for an action or state. However, the sentence does not
discuss a specific period or time, so "until" does not fit the
context. It would imply that the farmers will continue to appeal
to the government for assistance until the exports drop, which
contradicts the information given.
Adverb Clauses Expressing Purposes
|
Adverb clause |
Preposition |
|
… so that S + V |
|
|
In order that S + V |
in order to = so as to + V |
This is the final section of the lesson. I'm ready to start the review exercises!
Review Exercise (1/12)
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((B))".
clear Not quite. ((B)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (B) regardless of.
In the given sentence, 'regardless of' correctly conveys the meaning that the plans of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for its new wafer fab in Arizona will remain the same, no matter who wins the American presidency. 'Regardless of' is a preposition and it indicates that the action in the main clause happens anyway, irrespective of the action in the clause following 'regardless of'.
(A) 'Despite' is incorrect because it is used to show a contrast between two things, but in this sentence, there is no contrast being made between the plans for the wafer fab and the result of the American presidency.
(C) 'Since' is incorrect because it is used to show cause and effect, but in this sentence, the plans for the wafer fab are not caused by who wins the American presidency.
(D) 'Whereas' is incorrect because it is used to show the contrast between two things, but in this sentence, there is no contrast being made between the plans for the wafer fab and the result of the American presidency.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((A))".
clear Not quite. ((A)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (A) in case.
"In case" is used to talk about things we should do in order to be prepared for possible future situations. In this sentence, the phrase "in case the item does not fit" is providing a reason for choosing a store with a return policy - it prepares for the possibility that the item might not fit.
(B) "So" is used to show the result or effect of something. But here it does not fit the intended meaning of the sentence.
(C) "But" is used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned. Thus, it does not fit here as the sentence does not present any contrast.
(D) "Until" is used to say that something continues up to a particular point in time. However, it does not make sense in this context as there is no time frame mentioned or implied.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((A))".
clear Not quite. ((A)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (A) whereas.
'Whereas' is used to show the contrast between two different situations or facts. In this sentence, it's used to contrast the way elderly people live in Western countries and how they live in India.
(B) 'So' is used to indicate a result or consequence, not to contrast two different situations. Therefore, it's incorrect in this context.
(C) 'Since' is used to indicate a reason or cause. It wouldn't make sense in this sentence because we're not providing a reason why elderly people live with their children in India, we're contrasting it with the way things are done in Western countries.
(D) 'Except' is used to exclude something from a general statement. This doesn't fit in this sentence, because we're not excluding anything from the statement about elderly people living in retirement homes in Western countries. Instead, we're contrasting it with a different situation.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((A))".
clear Not quite. ((A)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (A) unless.
In this context, "unless" is used as a conjunction to introduce the condition in which the speaker will not be home for dinner. The sentence essentially means that the speaker will be home for dinner except if the boss asks them to work overtime.
(B) "regardless of" is incorrect because it suggests the speaker will be home for dinner no matter what the boss asks, which contradicts the meaning intended in the sentence.
(C) "so" is incorrect because it is used to indicate a result or a consequence, which doesn't fit the context of the sentence.
(D) "as long as" is incorrect because it would suggest the speaker will be home for dinner provided that the boss asks them to work overtime, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((C))".
clear Not quite. ((C)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (C) until after.
The term "until after" is used to indicate that an action or state continues up to a specified point in time and then stops. In this context, passengers must remain seated up to the point in time when the seatbelt light has been switched off.
(A) "During" is incorrect because it is used to talk about something that happens within the same time something else is happening. Here, "during the seatbelt light has been switched off" is incorrect because it doesn't make sense grammatically and contextually.
(B) "Whether" is used to talk about a choice or doubt between alternatives. It doesn't fit here because there is no choice or doubt involved. The sentence isn't comparing different possible situations; it's giving a specific instruction.
(D) "Although" is used to express a contrast or contradiction. But there's no contrast or contradiction being made in the sentence. The sentence isn't saying the passengers should remain seated despite the fact that the seatbelt light has been switched off. Rather, it's saying they should remain seated until that event occurs.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((C))".
clear Not quite. ((C)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (C) while.
In this sentence, "while" is used to indicate a contrast or difference between two ideas or facts, i.e., 'many tourists in Europe are Europeans themselves' and 'others are largely from Asia and the United States'.
(A) "since" is incorrect because it is used to indicate a reason or cause, not contrast. In this context, the sentence is not explaining a reason why many tourists in Europe are Europeans themselves.
(B) "unless" is also incorrect. It is used to show a condition, essentially meaning 'if not'. The sentence is not showing a condition, it is showing a contrast.
(D) "once" is used to indicate a specific time in the past or a condition for something to happen. Here, it is not suitable because the sentence is not talking about a past event or a condition, but a contrast between two groups of tourists in Europe.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((C))".
clear Not quite. ((C)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (C) since.
In this context, "since" is used to indicate a period of time from a point in the past until now. "Since" is commonly used in English to refer to a point that something started or changed. Here, it is used to indicate the period of time that Jamal Nawzad has been in the sales department, which is two years.
(A) "Despite" is incorrect because it is used to show that something happened or is true, even though something else might have prevented it. In this context, there is no opposing factor that might have prevented Jamal Nawzad from receiving top performance reviews.
(B) "Except" is incorrect because it is used to exclude something. In this context, there is nothing being excluded.
(D) "During" is incorrect because it is used to indicate a period that something happens. In this context, it does not specify the period that Jamal Nawzad has been in the sales department.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((B))".
clear Not quite. ((B)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (B) once.
In this sentence, 'once' is used as a conjunction meaning 'as soon as' or 'after'. It perfectly fits the context, indicating that it's hard to make changes immediately after the order is submitted.
(A) 'Following' could technically work in the sentence, but it is not the best fit. 'Following' usually indicates a sequence of events but does not necessarily denote the immediacy implied by 'once.'
(C) 'Right away' is incorrect because it doesn't fit grammatically in the sentence. It is an adverb phrase used to indicate immediate action, but in this context, we need a conjunction to connect the two clauses.
(D) 'By means of' is incorrect because it does not fit either grammatically or contextually. 'By means of' is a phrase used to specify the method or manner by which something happens or is done. It does not fit the sentence which requires a word or phrase to connect two clauses.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((B))".
clear Not quite. ((B)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (B) Whatever.
"Whatever" is a relative pronoun that can be used to introduce an adverbial clause expressing a condition, meaning "anything that" or "the thing that". In this sentence, "whatever" is used to refer to the unspecified amount that Dave's employer is currently paying him.
(A) "Whichever" is incorrect in this context as it is used to refer to a specific one of a number of choices or possibilities, which doesn't make sense in this sentence because it's not about choosing among options.
(C) "Whenever" is also incorrect because it relates to time, not amount or value, which is the context of the sentence.
(D) "However" is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has been said before, or to introduce an afterthought or a change of subject. It doesn't fit in this context because it doesn't convey the meaning of an unspecified amount.
This question involves a noun clause acting as the object of the preposition "to." In this case, "whatever much Dave's employer is paying him" is a noun clause because it can stand alone as a sentence, but here it is serving as a noun (the object of Dave's salary). The word "whatever" is used because it refers to an unknown quantity or amount.
(A) “Whichever” is incorrect because it is used to refer to a choice between a limited number of options, and in this case, the salary is not a limited option but an indefinite amount.
(C) “Whenever” is incorrect because it refers to "every time that" or "at any time that," which does not make sense in the context of this sentence as we are talking about an amount (salary), not a time.
(D) “However” is incorrect because it is used to indicate a contrast or contradiction, and in this case, there is no contrast or contradiction being made. The sentence is comparing the amounts of Dave's salary, not contrasting or contradicting them.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((A))".
clear Not quite. ((A)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (A) Whenever.
"Whenever" is a conjunction used to denote every time that an event happens. Here, "whenever" is used to indicate that the action of charging service fees happens each time the event specified in the noun clause occurs i.e., "a client withdraws money from the account".
(B) "However" is usually used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said before. It does not fit the context of the sentence.
(C) "Whichever" is used to show that it does not matter which person or thing is chosen or what is true. It is typically used to refer to a previously mentioned choice between two or more options. It does not fit in the context of this sentence.
(D) "Wherever" is used to mean "in whichever place". It refers to location and doesn't fit the context of this sentence because the sentence is not discussing a place.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((C))".
clear Not quite. ((C)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (C) Wherever.
In this context, "wherever" is used as a conjunction to introduce an adverb clause. Here, it means students can do their assignments in any location they happen to be.
(A) Whenever would imply any time, which does not fit the context as the sentence is talking about flexibility in terms of location not time.
(B) Whatever would imply any thing or situation, which does not fit the context as the sentence is not talking about different situations but different locations.
(D) Whichever would imply any one from a limited set of options, which does not fit the context as the sentence is talking about an unlimited set of locations where students can be.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((B))".
clear Not quite. ((B)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (B) Whoever.
An adverb clause is a group of words that plays the role of an adverb. In this case, "Whoever" begins the adverb clause "whoever you are from large, small, and medium enterprises, or you are an entrepreneur in Taiwan,". It explains under what circumstances the subject will help, therefore it is an adverb clause of condition.
(A) "Where" is incorrect because it is used to introduce a clause indicating the place or point at which. But in this context, it does not make sense as the clause is not indicating a place or point.
(C) "Whatever" is incorrect because it is used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to anything or amount, no matter what. But in this context, it does not make sense as the clause is not emphasizing a lack of restriction.
(D) "Whenever" is incorrect because it is used to introduce a clause indicating at whatever time; on any occasion when. But in this context, it does not make sense as the clause is not indicating a time or occasion.
Restart Test
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