Relative and Adverbial Clauses of Time

Relative and Adverbial Clauses of Time

Relative clauses of time and adverbial clauses of time are used to talk about time-related events and actions. Relative clauses provide additional information about a noun (typically a time noun), while adverbial clauses give more information about the time something happens.

1. When Do We Use Relative and Adverbial Clauses of Time?

Relative Clauses of Time:

These are used to provide more details about a noun related to time, such as a specific point or period in time.

  • The day when I first met you was unforgettable.
  • I remember the time when we traveled to Paris.
     

Adverbial Clauses of Time:

These clauses give information about when something happens in relation to other actions, often using words like when, after, before.

  • I will call you when I arrive.
  • She went home after she finished her work.
  • Before you go to bed, make sure to turn off the lights.

2. How to form Relative and Adverbial Clauses of Time?

Relative Clauses of Time:

Formed by using a relative pronoun like when to connect the main clause with the time-related noun.

  • The year when I graduated was unforgettable.
  • Do you remember the moment when we first met?
     

Adverbial Clauses of Time:

Begin with time-related conjunctions such as when, after, before. These clauses can be placed before or after the main clause.

  • We will leave when the sun sets.
  • After I finish my homework, I’ll watch a movie.
  • I always take a walk before breakfast.

3. Time Expressions in Adverbial Clauses of Time

Time expressions often follow the conjunctions in adverbial clauses of time, and they can indicate the time relationship between actions.

  • When indicates at the same time or a specific moment:
    • I will call you when I arrive.
  • After indicates something happening later in time:
    • She went to bed after she finished her homework.
  • Before indicates something happening earlier in time:
    • Before you leave, make sure to close the door.

4. Examples

Relative Clauses of Time:

  • The day when we got married was the happiest day of my life.
  • Do you remember the time when we were in college?
     

Adverbial Clauses of Time:

  • I will start cooking when I finish this task.
  • She left the office after the meeting finished.
  • Before I leave, I need to check my email.
  • I always have coffee before I start my work.
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