ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

ETSI de Telecomunicaciones
English

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
INTRODUCTION

Definition
They modify a verb (either finite or non-finite), an
adjective, an adverb or another clause.
e.g.:
Dont start before the machine is ready for operation
Functioning until the transmission was completed, the
link provided an optimum performance
The portable was simpler than it was expected
The programmer worked harder than he ever did before
As it turned out, the satellite did not fulfil safety
requirements

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
INTRODUCTION (2)

Position
Most commonly, at the beginning or the end of the
main clause. In some cases, medial position.
e.g. :
If possible, use a different method
The scene must be illuminated until a
distinctive image appears
I was told that, if I applied early, I would
be given an immediate answer

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

CLAUSES OF TIME
They answer the question When? and are common
in the initial or end position.
Main conjunctions: WHEN, WHENEVER,
BEFORE, AFTER, UNTIL, SINCE, ONCE, AS,
NOW THAT, AS SOON AS, AS LONG AS, THE
MOMENT, DIRECTLY, WHILE.
Some of these conjunctions may introduce verbless
or abbreviated time clauses.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
e.g.:
When the line is engaged, the hold-on mode is automatically
assigned
Signals were modified as they entered the first multiplexor
Directly the data arrived at its destination, the user interface
transformed the flow into intelligible information
Now that the research connected with the
telecommunications field is advancing so fast, work
prospects are also increasing
When in doubt, ask for information (verbless)
Once finished, disconnect the equipment (abbreviated)

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

CLAUSES OF PLACE
They answer the question Where?.
Conjunctions (also for verbless and
abbreviated clauses): WHERE, WHEREVER
e.g.:
Answer yes or no where appropriate
Wherever possible, all parts should be
tested

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

CLAUSES OF CONDITION
These clauses give the circumstances under which the
statement of the main clause will take place or be true, i.e.,
they state the dependence of one circumstance or set of
circumstances on another.
Main conjunctions: IF (positive cond.), UNLESS (negative
cond.), PROVIDED THAT, PROVIDING, SUPPOSED,
SUPPOSING (mostly connected with questions), SO LONG
AS, AS LONG AS, SO THAT, ON CONDITION THAT.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
e.g.:
If the international line is engaged, you must replace the handset
and try again
Unless it works properly, results will be unreliable (If it doesnt
work properly, results...)
Supposing the teacher saw you cheating, what would you do?
You will be given the prize provided (that) your project is a novelty
The director will phone you on condition that you make an
appointment previously
(Notice that the comma is compulsory whenever the
subordinate comes first)

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
CLAUSES OF CONCESSION

Closely associated to conditionals, except that they imply a

contrast between two circumstances.
Principal conjunctions: (AL)THOUGH, EVEN THOUGH,
EVEN IF, WHILE, WHEREAS.
Although as a subordinator is approximately the equivalent
of but as a co-ordinator. The conjunction EVEN IF implies
an overlap between conditional and concessive clauses.
WHILE and WHEREAS often point to a contrast between
comparable things.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

e.g.:
We will do our best, although we are not keen.
You will enjoy this program, even if you dislike
computers.
Whereas services havent been paid their due
attention, the impact of technology is constantly in
the news.
PCs are used everywhere, while Macs are mainly
restricted to the office environment.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

Though generally the conjunction IF is conditional,

it can be used concessively: If cable TV is gaining
adepts, it doesnt seem to.
Very often, the conjunction follows the
complement: Successful, though it was, the
connection only lasted a few seconds.
Abbreviated clauses of concession are common
with verbless or participle constructions: Though a
bit obsolete, we are still working with a Pentium II
processor. Though infected, the program didnt
cause any damage.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
CLAUSES OF REASON OR CAUSE

They give the reason for the activity expressed in the

main clause.
Main conjunctions: BECAUSE, SINCE, AS...
Whereas is sometimes used to introduce a clause of
reason in legal English.
Conjunctions typically associated with time can also
introduce these clauses.
In many cases, the conjunction is omitted.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
e.g.:
It is true because I say it is.
Whereas the defendant has pleaded guilty, the Court
will be lenient with him.
Well have to rearrange the configuration after we
said we would.
Being a man of ingenuity, he repaired the machine.
We are happy you can manage.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
CLAUSES OF PURPOSE

They state the finality of the action expressed by the main verb. Mainly
introduced by: IN ORDER THAT/TO, IN ORDER FOR (+ noun), SO
(THAT), SO AS TO... Very often they occur in the form of a full infinitive
(as it happened with conditionals).

e.g.:
The program was scanned so that unknown viruses could be found.
We left the device connected in order for the staff to access relevant
information whenever required.
He destroyed the papers so that no one might see them.
To open the carcass, you have to press down the button.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
CLAUSES OF RESULT

They state what has happened (or may happen) as the result of the action
or state expressed by the main clause.
Principal conjunctions: SO.....THAT, SO (THAT), SUCH.....THAT,
SUCH (THAT).
e.g.:
We introduced the necessary changes so that the operations gave the
expected result.
Our finances are such that we cannot afford another increase in the
production expenses.
Sometimes, clauses of result are similar to clauses of purpose. Compare:
We rearranged the configuration so that it could work properly with . . .
so that it worked properly.

ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
CLAUSES OF COMPARISON

They answer the questions HOW MUCH?, HOW LITTLE?. The

principal conjunctions are AS, AS THOUGH/IF, AS.....AS, SO.....AS
and structures of comparison. If there is doubt or unreality, the past
tense is used. Sometimes, an inversion subject/verb is produced.

e.g.:
Mathematicians often behave as though they knew all the answers.
This is not a bad result as prices go.
The composite is as dry as its going to get.
Our company created new branches abroad, as did our competitors.