The word 'gramma' meaning "letter* has come down to us in a path through several languages. In early times, the craft of using letters and constructing messages with the use of symbolic markings was seen to indicate magical powers. | 172 GRAMMAR FOR EVERYONE Adverbial clause of purpose modifying the verb is working in the main clause Complex sentence Adverbial clause of concession This clause tells you that something happened in spite of another occurrence. Although I like insects I do not wish to study entomology. I in spite of the fact that Finite verbs like do wish Main clause I do not wish to study entomology Conjunction although Subordinate clause I like insects Adverbial clause of concession modifying the verb do not wish in the main clause Complex sentence Adverbial clause of comparison This clause describes how something compares with something else. That spider was more colourful than the others in the shed were . I compared with Finite verb Main clause Subordinate clause was were That spider was more colourful than the others in the shed were CLAUSES 173 Adverbial clause of comparison modifying the verb was in the main clause Complex sentence In adverbial clauses of comparison the verb is often omitted as it is understood so the above sentence makes sense even with the omission of the word were . However we show that it is understood. Activities adverbial clauses 1. Students bracket the conjunctions and underline the adverbial clauses in the sentences provided and state what kind of clause each is for example A We were fishing where the smugglers used to land. Adverbial clause of place a. We had to rush home as a storm was breaking. b. We wanted to get back before it got dark. c. We had caught a fish as big as the one Dad caught last Sunday. d. My brother is only little so I carried his bucket for him. e. We cleaned the fish quickly so that we could grill it for dinner. 2. A simple sentence is written on the board and students in turn add an adverbial clause and state what kind they have used. One or two may also be done in writing for example Dad went shopping . because he needed new golf balls. Adverbial clause of reason a. Cathy laid the table. b. Lock the door. c. I caught .
