Adverbial clauses of purpose

Adverbial clauses of purpose state the purpose of the action expressed in the principal clause. They are introduced by the conjunctions that, in order that, so that, lest, in case, for fear (that) and some others:

We’ve arrived early so that we may/can/will get a good view of the procession.

I arrived early so that I might not miss anything.

Adverbial clauses of manner

Adverbial clauses of manner characterize in a general way the action expressed in the principal clause. They can be introduced by the conjunctions as, in the way (that), as if, as though:

Type this again as I showed you a moment ago.

She acted as if she were mad.

Adverbial clauses of comparison

Adverbial clauses of comparison denote an action with which the action of the principal clause is compared. They are introduced by the conjunctions than, as, as…as, not so…as, as if, as though:

We were going up the road as fast as we could.

Adverbial clauses of condition

Adverbial clauses of condition state the condition which is necessary for the realization of the action expressed in the principal clause. They are can be introduced by the conjunctions if, as long as, assuming (that), even if, if only, on the condition that, so long as, provided/providing (that), unless:

He’ll definitely win, even if he falls ill.

Suppose/supposing (that) we miss the train, what shall we do?

Unless the management improve their offer, there’ll be a strike.

Adverbial clauses of concession

Adverbial clauses of concession denote the presence of some obstacle which nevertheless does not hither the action expressed in the principal clause. They can be introduced by the conjunctions although, considering (that), though, even though, even if, whereas, no matter how much, while, however much/good, badly:

From this minute he begins to be a different person, even if he doesn’t realize it.

However far it is, I intend to drive there tonight.

Adverbial clauses of result

Adverbial clauses of result denote the result of the action expressed in the principal clause. They can be introduced by the conjunctions that after so + adj, that after so + adv., that after such (a) + noun (or adj. + noun):

His reactions are so quick (that) no one can match him.

He reacts so quickly (that) no one can match him.

They are such wonderful players (that) no one can beat them.