Adverbial Clauses
An adverbial clause performs the function of an adverbial modifier. It can modify a verb, an adjective or an adverb in the principal clause. He stopped as Kravat came rushing out. (Heym) He was getting on better than he’d expected. (Lindsay) Frank... returned to the auction room as fast as his legs would carry him.(Dreiser) Adverbial clauses are joined to the principal clause by means of subordinating conjunctions; they are not joined to the principal clause asyndetically except sometimes adverbial clauses of condition. An adverbial clause may follow or precede the clause to which it is subordinated. In the first [...]
Subjunctive Mood in Adverbial Clauses of Comparison
The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of comparison (or manner) introduced by the conjunctions as if and as though (the latter is more literary). If the action of the subordinate clause is simultaneous with that of the principal clause the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be is used; with other verbs, the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood. She speaks (spoke) about him as if she knew him well. She greeted him as if he were her brother. (Galsworthy) Не speaks as if he knew you! (Collins) Rex got from his [...]
Subjunctive Mood in Adverbial Clauses of Time and Place
The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of time and place after the conjunctions whenever and wherever; in these cases, the clauses have an additional concessive meaning. Whenever you may (might) come, you are welcome. Wherever she may (might) live, she will always find friends. Of course, I shall come for your marriage, whenever that may be fixed.(Trollope)
Subjunctive Mood in Adverbial Clauses of Concession
The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of concession. Adverbial clauses of concession are introduced by the conjunctions and connectives though, although, however, no matter, whatever, whoever, etc. The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary may (might) is generally used. Though he may (might) be tired he will go to the concert. Tired though he may (might) be he will go to the concert. No matter how tired he may (might) be he will go to the concert. However tired he may (might) be he will go to the concert. Whatever obstacles may arise, we shall not give in. [...]
Subjunctive Mood in Adverbial Clauses of Purpose
The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of purpose. When a clause of purpose is introduced by the conjunctions that, so that, in order that, we find the analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary may (might) if the principal clause refers to the present or future; if the principal clause refers to the past, only the form might is used. As has already been, stated, the mood auxiliary may (might) retains in this case a shade of modality. She opens (will open) the window that she may (might) get a breath of fresh air. She opened the window [...]