Adverb Clauses of Condition

Lesson 3 Adverb Clauses of Condition

Essential Question

How do we use language to say what is possible?

Grammar in the World

What Do I Know?

Use the interactive below to see how much you already know about adverb clauses of condition:

Building Blocks

Grammar is a complex system and structure of language. Mizzou Academy Grammar Lab spotlights one skill (or block) at a time, but it’s often helpful to see how a skill works together with other, related blocks to build the language structure as a whole. You may find the following resource topics helpful as context for this lesson:

Learn About Adverb Clauses of Condition

Before learning about adverb clauses of condition, let’s quickly review what adverbs are. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They often, but not always, end in -ly.

Modifying a Verb	Modifying an Adjective	Modifying another Adverb
Yesterday, I took my dog Stella to the dog park.	Stella was especially rambunctious.	She played very happily with the other dogs.
She ran fast.	Stella is quite clumsy but very energetic.	At one point, she ran very enthusiastically right into me and knocked me over.

Adverbs answer the questions when, where, how, how much, or how long.

Purpose	Example
When?	Yesterday, I took my dog Stella to the dog park.. I took my dog Stella to the dog park yesterday.
Where?	She ran nearby. She ran along the fence.
How?	Stella played happily with the other dogs. She ran fast through the park.
How much/How long?	We stayed a while at the dog park. Stella certainly seemed to have fun.

Adverb Clauses of condition describe the circumstances around which something happens. They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as if, provided that, so long as, unless, and whether. The following table includes the subordinating conjunctions used with adverb clauses and example sentences. Note that when the adverb clause is at the beginning of the sentence, it is followed by a comma.

Subordinating Conjunction	Examples
If Note: Sometimes “were,” “should,” or “had” can replace “if.”	If it snows, we will stay home. If Camille feels tired, she drinks an iced coffee. Maybe someday I will have a book published if I write every day. *Were* this house mine, I would put a swimming pool in the backyard. = If this house were mine, I would put a swimming pool in the backyard. *Should* you get a flat tire, you can call me for help. = If you get a flat tire, you can call me for help. *Had* Hannah eaten dinner, she may not have been so cranky this evening. = If Hannah had eaten dinner, she may not have been so cranky this evening.
provided that	We will be moving soon *provided that* our offer goes through. You can go hang out with your friends *provided that* you are home by 11:00. I will make breakfast for everyone tomorrow morning *provided that* I wake up on time.
so long as	Anant can play basketball with his friends tonight *so long as* he finishes his homework first. The Chiefs will go to the Super Bowl *so long as* they win their playoff games. *So long as* you are here, you can help yourself to whatever you find to eat.
unless	*Unless* this book gets more interesting, I may have to stop reading it. Maria is coming over for dinner on Friday night *unless* the roads are icy. I will feed the dog *unless* you already did so.
whether	Rachel goes on a run every morning *whether* she feels like it or not. Lara is always kind *whether* she is happy or sad. *Whether* it rains or shines, Brian and Mindy are planning on having their wedding outside.

Do I Get It?

Use the interactive below to test your knowledge of adverb clauses of condition. Begin by reading the paragraph provided, then answer the questions in the interactive:

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