So here it is.
The blog post on dangling modifiers will appear later this year, and when it does, it shall be linked to via this post.
Let’s begin:
A clause is a group of words that have a subject and a verb. Clauses can be independent or dependent. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause cannot stand alone. It needs an independent clause to be a complete sentence and to be fully understood.
Adverb clauses are dependent clauses – they cannot stand alone. They must be combined with an independent clause.
Adverb clauses answer questions like how, when, where, and why. Adverb clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions.
Examples of subordinating conjunctions are:
After
When
While
Because
Now that
Even though
If
Unless
There are rules when writing out a sentence that includes an adverb clause. When a sentence begins with an adverb clause, you must use a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause. However, no comma should be used when the adverb clause is introduced at the end of a sentence.
In each example, I will underline the adverb clause:
- After Bonnie worked out, she took a shower. / Bonnie took a shower after she worked out.
- When the cats are outside, they eat the grass. / The cats eat the grass when they are outside.
- While doing her homework, Victoria was listening to music. / Victoria was listening to music while doing her homework.
- Because he was sleepy, he went to bed. / He went to bed because he was sleepy.
- Now that she’s 16, she can get her nose pierced. / She can get her nose pierced now that she is 16.
- Even though it’s Sunday, I still have to work. / I still have to work even though it’s Sunday.
- If I work out, I’ll feel better. / I’ll feel better if I work out.
- Unless it’s raining, I’ll ride my bike tomorrow. / I’ll ride my bike tomorrow unless it’s raining.
If for any reason I failed to help you understand, please either leave a comment, or Contact me, and I'll do my best to answer your question(s).