oxford_guide_to_english_grammar

31 ADVERBIAL CLAUSES PAGE 328
2 The clause usually goes in front position or end position.
If you like, we could play cards.
We could play cards if you like.
A comma is more usual when the adverbial clause comes first.
NOTE
It is possible but less usual for the adverbial clause to go in the middle of the main clause.
We could, if you like, play cards.
3 The order of clauses depends on what is new and important information. We
usually put the important information at the end of the sentence.
I arrived about ten minutes after the start of the meeting. I was late because Don
was telling me his problems.
Here I was late relates back to ten minutes after the start. The information about
Don is new. But now look at this example.
You know how Don talks. Well, because he was telling me his problems, I was late.
Here the clause with because relates back to Don talks. The information I was late
is new.
4 There are also non-finite adverbial clauses.
a
b
We can use an infinitive or participle clause.
Check it again to make sure. Dave lay in bed thinking.
We can use a conjunction + participle or a preposition + gerund.
While waiting, Colin paced up and down. • 139(3)
You can't go all day without eating. • 132(8)
With some conjunctions, we can form a short clause without a verb.
A car must be taxed when (it is) on the road.
These conjunctions are when, while, once, until, where, if and although.
For more examples, • 199(5c).
250 Clauses of time
1 We form an adverbial clause of time with a conjunction.
It always rains after I've washed my car.
The doorbell rang as/while I was changing.
I'll come and see you as soon as I've finished work.
Have some coffee before you go.
I've usually left the house by the time the postman comes.
NOT by the postman comes
Once you've learnt to swim, you'll never forget.
Lots has happened since I last saw you.
Till/Until the cheque arrives, I can't pay my rent.
Mozart could write music when he was only five.
For before you go referring to the future, • 77.
Before, after, since and till/until can also be prepositions.
Lots has happened since your last visit.