Hello! Welcome to the fifth lesson in our grammar module.
In our previous lesson, we explored relative clauses, which add extra information about a noun. We learned that using them is a key way to create more complex and detailed sentences.
Today, we'll continue building your ability to write and speak in complex sentences, a critical skill for a high IELTS score. Our learning outcome is to construct sentences using adverbial clauses to express time, reason, and contrast. While a relative clause adds information to a noun (a thing or person), an adverbial clause adds information to the main action of the sentence, telling us when, why, or in spite of what something happened.
1. Understanding Adverbial Clauses
An adverbial clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that functions as an adverb. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. It begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., when, because, although) and connects to a main (independent) clause to form a complex sentence.
Let's watch a short video to see how these clauses work.
How to Write Complex IELTS Sentences
This video from E2 IELTS, a channel focused on IELTS preparation, clearly explains the difference between a complete sentence (independent clause) and an incomplete one (subordinate clause), which is the foundation of our topic.
Watch from 01:22 to 03:21. Focus on how adding a word like 'because', 'when', or 'although' turns a complete sentence into a subordinate clause that needs to be attached to another idea.
As the video showed, a complex sentence is made of at least two parts:
- An independent clause: a complete idea that can be a sentence by itself. (e.g., I studied hard for the exam.)
- A dependent (or subordinate) clause: an incomplete idea that depends on the main clause. (e.g., because the topic was difficult.)
Putting them together creates a complex sentence: I studied hard for the exam because the topic was difficult.
2. Expressing Time, Reason, and Contrast
The subordinating conjunction is the key word that shows the relationship between the two clauses. Today, we're focusing on three of the most common relationships you'll use in the IELTS exam.
Let's watch another clip that categorizes these useful words.
How to Write Complex IELTS Sentences
The same video from E2 IELTS provides a great table that organizes conjunctions by their function. This will help you choose the right word for the idea you want to express.
Watch from 08:01 to 09:36. Notice the words listed under the 'Time', 'Contrast', and 'Reason' columns. We will explore these next.
Now, let's look at each category with examples.
Time Clauses
These clauses tell us when an action happens. They use conjunctions like when, while, after, before, until, as soon as.
Example for your field: The dentist will not begin the procedure until the anesthetic has taken full effect.
Reason Clauses
These clauses explain why something happens. They use conjunctions like because, since, as.
Example: Many students find anatomy challenging because it requires memorizing a large volume of information.
Note: Be careful with since. It can mean 'because' or refer to a point in time.
- Reason: Since the library is closed, I will study at home.
- Time: I have been studying dentistry since 2023.
Contrast Clauses (also called Concession Clauses)
These clauses show an unexpected or different idea compared to the main clause. They use conjunctions like although, even though, whereas, while.
Example: Although the clinical trial showed promising results, more research is needed.
To see more examples of these clauses, you can refer to the following resource.
Adverbial Clauses: Why they are important for IELTS
This article from IELTS Buddy gives a clear breakdown of the different types of adverbial clauses with many example sentences relevant to academic contexts.
Read the sections titled 'Time Clauses', 'Reason Clauses', and 'Concession Clauses'. This will reinforce your understanding of the different conjunctions.
3. The All-Important Comma Rule
Correct punctuation is essential for clarity and a good grammar score. The rule for adverbial clauses is simple and consistent.
Adverbial Clauses: Why they are important for IELTS
The position of the adverbial clause determines whether you need a comma. This article explains this crucial rule very clearly.
Read the section 'Rules for Adverbial Clauses'. Focus on point 1 ('Switching the Clauses') and especially point 2 ('Commas').
Here is a summary of the rule:
1. When the adverbial clause comes BEFORE the main clause, use a comma.
Adverbial Clause , Main Clause.
- After the lecture ended, the students asked questions.
- Although the symptoms were mild, the patient decided to see a doctor.
2. When the adverbial clause comes AFTER the main clause, do NOT use a comma.
Main Clause Adverbial Clause.
- The students asked questions after the lecture ended.
- The patient decided to see a doctor although the symptoms were mild.
Test your understanding!
Combine the sentences using the conjunction in brackets. Pay attention to the comma rule.
- It was raining heavily. We decided to go for a walk. (even though)
- The patient must follow the post-operative instructions carefully. The recovery will be quick and smooth. (if) -> Note: 'if' is a conditional clause, but the grammar rule is the same!
- The professor explained the topic. I began to understand it. (when)
Show answer
- Even though it was raining heavily, we decided to go for a walk. / We decided to go for a walk even though it was raining heavily.
- If the patient follows the post-operative instructions carefully, the recovery will be quick and smooth. / The recovery will be quick and smooth if the patient follows the post-operative instructions carefully.
- When the professor explained the topic, I began to understand it. / I began to understand the topic when the professor explained it.
4. A Common Mistake to Avoid: Fragments
A frequent error is writing a dependent clause as if it were a complete sentence. This is called a sentence fragment.
Adverbial Clauses: Why they are important for IELTS
Let's look at one final, very important point from the IELTS Buddy article to ensure your sentences are always grammatically complete.
Read the short section titled 'A Common Mistake' to see what a fragment looks like and how to fix it.
Incorrect (Fragment): *My English is improving slowly. Because I practice every day._
The second part cannot stand on its own. It must be connected to the main clause.
Correct: *My English is improving slowly because I practice every day._
Always check your writing to ensure every sentence has a complete main clause.
Conclusion
Great job today! You have now learned how to use another type of clause to build sophisticated, complex sentences. By using adverbial clauses of time, reason, and contrast, you can show the logical relationships between your ideas, which is exactly what IELTS examiners are looking for.
Key Takeaways:
- Adverbial clauses add information about when, why, or in contrast to the main action.
- They start with a subordinating conjunction (like after, because, although).
- If the adverbial clause comes first, you must use a comma. If it comes second, you do not.
- An adverbial clause can never be a sentence by itself.
In our next lesson, we will dive deeper into one specific type of adverbial clause: conditional clauses. You will learn to apply zero and first conditional structures to describe real and possible situations, a fundamental skill for discussing cause and effect.