We will be looking at the final three types of adverb clauses: adverb clauses of condition, contrast, and comparison.
Adverb clauses of Condition
Adverb clauses of condition tell you about the different situations that are needed for something to happen. These different situations are called "conditions." These clauses are introduced by the following subordinators (and more):
- if
- even if
- whether or not
- in case (that) / in the event (that)
The table below tells you what differs between the subordinators of conditions and gives you an example of each:
| Subordinator of Reason | What does it mean? | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
if |
"If" expresses the conditions necessary for a certain result to occur. The clause is followed by the result based on the condition. |
She would buy a new dress, if she had enough money. |
| even if | "Even if" is the opposite of "if." It introduces a result that will happen no matter what. | Even if she passed the final exam, she won't be able to pass the course. |
| whether or not | "Whether or not" tells that neither one condition or the other matters as the result will be the same. | They won't be able to come to the party whether or not they get off work early. |
| in case (that) / in the event (that) | "In case" and "in the event" introduces an unexpected event. It is preceded or followed by solution to this unexpected event. | I'll be cooking in the kitchen in the event he calls. |
Adverb Clauses of Contrast
Adverb clauses of contrast show an unexpected result based on the independent clause. Adverb clauses of contrast use the following subordinators:
- even though / although / though
- whereas / while
The table below tells you how to use each subordinator:
| Subordinator of Contrast | What does it mean? | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
even though / although / though |
Even though, though and although all mean the same thing. They show a situation which is contrary to the main clause. |
He bought the headphones even though it was expensive. Though she loves ice cream, she has given them up for her diet. Although the course was difficult, John managed to pass it with flying colours. |
| whereas / while |
"Whereas" and "while" show clauses that are directly opposite or opposed to each other. A comma is always used with these subordinators! |
Whereas you have plenty of time to study, I have very little time. John is poor, while I am rich. |
Adverb Clauses of Comparison
Adverb clauses of comparison show the differences between different things in terms of quantity. They use the following subordinators.
- than
- as much as / as many as
The table below tells you how to use each subordinator:
| Subordinator of Comparison | What does it mean? | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
than |
"Than" is used to show the differences in quantity between the main clause and the adverb clause. | There seem to be far fewer fans of rock music today than there were in the past. |
| as many as / as much as | "As many as" and "as much as" mean the same thing. They are used to show that the main clause and the adverb clause is equal in quantity. | John earns just as much as Sarah does now that he has a new job. |
Exercise
Open the exercise to begin the activity. Follow the instructions in the document.