Grammar for Everyone - Barbara Dykes 2007

Adverbial clause of comparison
Introduction
Part II The parts of speech

This clause describes how something compares with something else.

Finite verb:  was, (were)

Main clause:  That spider was more colourful

Subordinate clause: than the others in the shed (were)

Adverbial clause of comparison modifying the verb ’was’ in the main clause

Complex sentence

In adverbial clauses of comparison, the verb is often omitted, as it is understood, so the above sentence makes sense even with the omission of the word ’were’. However, we show that it is understood.

26.2 Activities: adverbial clauses

1. Students bracket the conjunctions and underline the adverbial clauses in the sentences provided, and state what kind of clause each is, for example:

We were fishing [where] the smugglers used to land.

Adverbial clause of place

a. We had to rush home as a storm was breaking.

b. We wanted to get back before it got dark.

c. We had caught a fish as big as the one Dad caught last Sunday.

d. My brother is only little, so I carried his bucket for him.

e. We cleaned the fish quickly so that we could grill it for dinner.

2. A simple sentence is written on the board, and students in turn add an adverbial clause and state what kind they have used. One or two may also be done in writing, for example:

Dad went shopping ... because he needed new golf balls.

Adverbial clause of reason

a. Cathy laid the table.

b. Lock the door.

c. I caught the bus.

d. Luke was angry.

e. We had a lot of fun.

Checklist: adverbial clauses

Students should now be able to:

• explain the difference between a phrase and a clause

• mark the adverbial clauses in sentences or a given passage

• add adverbial clauses to simple sentences

• name the kind of clause being used

• analyse a complex sentence containing an adverbial clause using a structure and format