Definition: A dependent clause used as an adverb within a sentence to indicate time, place, condition, contrast, concession, reason, purpose, or result. It begins with a subordinating conjunction, such as if, when, because, and although.
Examples:
- "All human beings should try to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why."
(James Thurber) - Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it."
(Helen Keller) - "I drank some boiling water because I wanted to whistle."
(Mitch Hedberg) - "If I take death into my life, acknowledge it, and face it squarely, I will free myself from the anxiety of death and the pettiness of life--and only then will I be free to become myself."
(Martin Heidegger) - "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag, carrying a cross."
(Sinclair Lewis, 1935) - "When I was coming up, I practiced all the time because I thought if I didn't I couldn't do my best."
(Herbie Hancock) - "And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be."
(John Lennon and Paul McCartney, "Let It Be") - "If I ever opened a trampoline store, I don't think I'd call it Trampo-Land, because you might think it was a store for tramps, which is not the impression we are trying to convey with our store."
(Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts, 1992) - "Though Mr. Chertoff may be the man standing between us and Armageddon, he is seen as a leader of stature only when standing next to his cabinet mate Gonzo."
(Frank Rich, "Don’t Laugh at Michael Chertoff," New York Times, July 15, 2007)
Also Known As: adverbial clause
