Adverb Clauses and Subordinate Conjunctions

Complex sentences with adverb clauses are formed when we connect two clauses with a subordinate conjunction. They are formed by connecting one independent clause with one dependent clause. (The adverb clause is the dependent one)

These conjunctions are called “SUBORDINATE CONJUNCTIONS,” or “SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS“

The clause that begin with the subordinate conjunction is called an adverb clause.

EXAMPLE: Although she loves chocolate, she tried to avoid eating it.

• Although= subordinate conjunction
• Although she loves chocolate= adverb clause (a dependent clause)
  
• She tried to avoid eating it= (in case you are curious!) this part of the complex sentence is called an independent clause

Click here for a list of common subordinate conjunctions (My English Teacher.Net)

And here is a short video lesson on these (and coordinating conjunctions) from Khan Academy

If you would like some practice with adverb clauses, try these activities:

• Practice 1 (Multiple choice practice from English Grammar)
  
• Practice 2 (Multiple choice, from Learn English Feel Good)
  
• Practice 3 (Simple, printable exercise from English for Everyone)
  
• Practice 4 (Short, multi choice exercise from the English Language Centre at the University of Victoria)
  
• Practice 5 (Another short, simple exercise from UVIC, applying these conjunctions)