We know that adverb clauses express different types of relationships:
We can leave the house after the rain stops. [Time]
Where the forest begins, you can see the first signs of wildlife. [Place]
If the company meets its sales targets, bonuses will be distributed to the employees. [Condition]
They donated generously to the charity because they believed in its cause. [Reason]
Even though it was snowing heavily, they decided to drive to the event. [Concession]
She prepared a detailed report so that the CEO could make an informed decision. [Purpose]
She would have gone to the party, except that she was feeling unwell. [Exception]
But it’s not as clearcut as that. Often, they express more than one relationship – two, even three – simultaneously.
In this post, we’ll see examples of adverb clauses expressing multiple relationships. The explanation with each example would mostly omit the relationship that is obvious to figure out.
1. Time-Purpose
We had to complete the necessary forms before they would process our refund.
[Purpose: We had to complete the necessary forms so that they would process our refund.]
2. Time-Condition
Let the team finish the presentation before you ask any questions.
[Condition: Don’t ask any questions if the team hasn’t finished the presentation.]
You can use my laptop as long as you handle it with care.
[Condition: You can use my laptop provided that you handle it with care.]
3. Time-Result
She didn’t stop working on the project until every detail was meticulously reviewed and approved.
[Result: Work on the project resulted in meticulous review and approval of every detail.]
4. Time-Reason
Now that the project is completed, we can finally relax and enjoy our success.
[Reason: Completion of the project is the reason to relax and enjoy.]
5. Time-Cause
After he exercises, he always feels energized.
[Cause: Exercise is the cause for feeling energized.]
When the dog barks, the neighbors complain.
[Cause: Dog’s bark is the cause of neighbors’ complaint.]
6. Time-Preference
She would typically listen to music before she would begin a creative writing session.
[The adverb clause conveys not only meaning of time, but also shows preference of listening to music over beginning a creative writing session.]
7. Time-Concession
When it’s raining heavily, he always decides to go for a long bike ride.
8. Place-Contrast
Where the old policies were restrictive, the new regulations offered more flexibility and freedom.
[Contrast: Contrast between old policies and new regulations]
9. Proportion-Contingency
The harder she works, the more likely she is to achieve her goals.
10. Contingency-Condition
If you need assistance, please contact our support team.
[The adverb clause clearly shows condition. But it also shows contingency meaning as it can be interpreted as Whenever you need assistance…]
11. Similarity-Manner
He sang just as a trained opera singer would at a grand performance.
[Similarity: He sang in a way similar to the way of a trained opera singer at a grand performance. Manner: He sang in the manner of a trained opera singer at a grand performance.]
12. Comparison-Manner
When the power outage occurred, the technicians reacted as though they had rehearsed for it daily.
13. Purpose-Condition
If we are to finish the project on time, we need additional resources.
14. Condition-Exception
The plan was perfect, except that the budget constraints limited its execution.
[The adverb clause clearly shows exception. But it also shows conditional meaning as it can be interpreted as If budget constraints hadn’t limited its execution…]
15. Concession-Condition
Whether it’s raining or sunny, we will go for a hike.
[Condition: Even if it’s raining or even if it’s sunny…. Concession: Two contrasting alternatives leading to the same result. That’s unexpected.]
