Adverbial clause

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An adverbial clause is a clause that functions as an adverb. In other words, it contains subject (explicit or implied) and predicate, and it modifies a verb.

I saw Joe when I went to the store. (explicit subject I)
He sat quietly in order to appear polite. (implied subject he)

According to Sidney Greenbaum and Randolph Quirk, adverbial clauses function mainly as adjuncts or disjuncts. In those functions they are like adverbial phrases, but in their potentiality for greater explicitness, they are more often like prepositional phrases (Greenbaum and Quirk,1990):

We left after the speeches ended.
We left after the end of the speeches.

Contrast adverbial clauses with adverbial phrases, which do not contain a clause.

I like to fly kites for fun.

[edit] Kinds of adverbial clauses

kind of clause	usual conjunction	function	example
time clauses	when, before, after, since, while, as, until	These clauses are used to say when something happens by referring to a period of time or to another event.	Her father died when she was young.
conditional clauses	if, unless	These clauses are used to talk about a possible situation and its consequences.	If they lose weight during an illness, they soon regain it afterwards.
purpose clauses	in order to, so that, in order that	These clauses are used to indicate the purpose of an action.	They had to take some of his land so that they could extend the churchyard.
reason clauses	because, since, as	These clauses are used to indicate the reason for something.	I couldn't feel anger against him because I liked him too much.
result clauses	so that	These clauses are used to indicate the result of something.	My suitcase had become damaged on the journey home, so that the lid would not stay closed.
concessive clauses	although, though, while	These clauses are used to make two statements, one of which contrasts with the other or makes it seem surprising.	I used to read a lot although I don't get much time for books now.
place clauses	where, wherever	These clauses are used to talk about the location or position of something.	He said he was happy where he was.
clauses of manner	as, like, the way	These clauses are used to talk about someone's behaviour or the way something is done.	I was never allowed to do things the way I wanted to do them.

(Sinclair, 1990)

[edit] References

Greenbaum, Sidney & Quirk, Randolph. A Student's Grammar of the English Language. Hong Kong: Longman Group (FE) Ltd, 1990.
Sinclair, John (editor-in-chief). Collins Cobuild English Grammar. London and Glasgow: William Collins Sons & Co ltd, 1990.