In the world of English grammar, the adverb clause of result plays a pivotal role in clarifying cause-and-effect relationships within a sentence. If you have ever wondered how to connect actions with their results smoothly, understanding this clause can significantly improve your writing and communication. This guide will take you through the essential aspects of the adverb clause of result, from its definition to practical examples and exercises.
1. Understanding the Adverb Clause of Result
An adverb clause of result, also known as a result clause or consequence clause, is a type of subordinate clause that shows the outcome or result of the action or event mentioned in the main clause. It typically answers the question, “What happened because of the action in the main clause?”
Definition
In simpler terms, an adverb clause of result provides additional information about the consequence of an action. These clauses are typically introduced by conjunctions such as “so,” “so that,” “such that,” “therefore,” and “consequently.”
Example Sentence:
She practiced piano every day, so she won the competition.
In this example, “so she won the competition” is the adverb clause of result, explaining the outcome of her regular practice.
Key Characteristics:
It is a subordinate clause, meaning it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
It explains the result of an action.
It is often introduced by subordinating conjunctions.
2. Common Conjunctions Used in Adverb Clauses of Result
To form an adverb clause of result, you need specific subordinating conjunctions. These conjunctions are critical in linking the result to the main clause and determining the direction of the cause-and-effect relationship.
Here is a list of the most commonly used conjunctions in adverb clauses of result:
So
So that
Such that
Therefore
Consequently
As a result
For that reason
Hence
Each of these conjunctions helps establish the connection between the cause and its result. For instance:
“So” directly introduces a result (e.g., It rained, so the match was canceled).
“Therefore” is more formal and often used in writing (e.g., She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam).
3. Uses of Adverb Clause of Result
The adverb clause of result is not just for showing simple cause and effect; it serves multiple purposes in both casual and formal contexts. Below, we’ll explore the key uses of this grammatical tool:
– Expressing Consequences
The primary use of an adverb clause of result is to show the consequence or outcome of an action in the main clause.
Example:
She saved money for months, so she could buy a new car.
– Providing Explanation
These clauses help provide an explanation for why something happened, offering clarity to the reader or listener about the motivation behind an action.
Example:
He was late for the meeting, so that his colleagues had to start without him.
– Clarifying Cause and Effect Relationships
Adverb clauses of result highlight the direct connection between actions or events in the main clause and the resulting consequences, clarifying the logical flow of a situation.
Example:
The experiment was conducted successfully, therefore the researchers published their findings.
4. Examples of Adverb Clause of Result
To strengthen your understanding, let’s look at various examples that demonstrate different contexts in which adverb clauses of result are used. These examples show the versatility of this grammatical structure in everyday communication.
– Simple and Clear
She worked hard, so she passed the test.
It was raining, therefore the outdoor event was postponed.
– Descriptive and Engaging
The coffee was so hot, that it burned my tongue.
The storm was so severe, that the streets were flooded.
– Emphasizing Cause and Effect
He exercised regularly, so that he maintained a healthy lifestyle.
They invested in technology, consequently their productivity increased.
– Adding Humor
The movie was so boring, that the audience fell asleep.
She was so tired, that she accidentally wore mismatched shoes to work.
5. How to Form Adverb Clauses of Result
Forming an adverb clause of result requires a clear understanding of how to structure the sentence. This section will walk you through the essential components and how to correctly integrate them.
Structure of an Adverb Clause of Result
An adverb clause of result typically follows this structure:
Main Clause (Cause)
Subordinating Conjunction (e.g., “so,” “so that,” “therefore,” etc.)
Adverb Clause of Result (Effect/Consequence)
The main clause presents the cause or action, while the adverb clause explains the result of that action.
Example:
The team practiced every day, so they won the championship.
In this sentence, “The team practiced every day” is the main clause, and “so they won the championship” is the adverb clause of result.
Key Points for Creating Effective Adverb Clauses of Result:
Subordinating conjunctions must be used to link the main clause with the result clause.
The result clause typically follows the main clause, but in some cases, it can precede it, particularly for emphasis.
Example:
So that he could be on time, he left the house early.
Here, the result clause (“so that he could be on time”) precedes the main clause (“he left the house early”) to highlight the reason for the action.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
While adverb clauses of result are relatively straightforward, there are some common errors that can arise. By being aware of these mistakes, you can use them correctly in your writing and communication.
– Misusing Conjunctions
One common mistake is using the wrong conjunction in the clause. For example, using “although” or “even though” in an adverb clause of result will lead to confusion, as these conjunctions are typically used in adverb clauses of concession.
Incorrect:
He studied hard, although he passed the test.
Here, “although” should not be used to express a result. The correct conjunction would be “so” or “so that.”
Correct:
He studied hard, so he passed the test.
– Word Order Issues
Sometimes, the word order in sentences with adverb clauses of result can be confusing. Remember that in most cases, the result clause follows the main clause. If you reverse the order, make sure the sentence remains logical and clear.
Example:
He didn’t eat breakfast, therefore he felt tired during class.
This sentence is grammatically correct, but placing “therefore” at the beginning emphasizes the result of the action.
– Punctuation
When the adverb clause of result follows the main clause, no comma is needed. However, when the result clause precedes the main clause, it should be separated by a comma for clarity.
Example:
The event was a huge success, so the organizers celebrated late into the night.
(Here, the result clause follows the main clause, so no comma is needed.)
Example with the result clause at the beginning:
So the organizers celebrated late into the night, the event was a huge success.
(In this case, the comma is necessary to separate the two clauses.)
7. Practice Exercise: Create Your Own Adverb Clauses of Result
To solidify your understanding, let’s practice forming adverb clauses of result. Below are some incomplete sentences. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate conjunction to complete the sentences.
He was too tired, ______ he went to bed early.
She didn’t finish her homework, ______ she couldn’t go out with friends.
The weather was so hot, ______ we stayed inside all day.
They played well during the match, ______ they won the championship.
The new policy was confusing, ______ many employees had questions.
8. Answer Key for the Exercise
Now that you’ve had a chance to fill in the blanks, let’s check your answers. Below are the completed sentences with the correct conjunctions inserted.
He was too tired, so he went to bed early.
The conjunction “so” is used to indicate the result of being too tired.
She didn’t finish her homework, so that she couldn’t go out with friends.
Here, “so that” emphasizes the purpose or consequence of not finishing the homework.
The weather was so hot, that we stayed inside all day.
“So” introduces the cause (hot weather), and “that” introduces the result (staying inside).
They played well during the match, so they won the championship.
The conjunction “so” shows the cause-and-effect relationship between playing well and winning the championship.
The new policy was confusing, so that many employees had questions.
“So that” is used to express the result of the confusing policy, highlighting the consequence.
By practicing and checking your answers, you can further solidify your understanding of how adverb clauses of result function in sentences.
9. FAQs About the Adverb Clause of Result
Here are some frequently asked questions that might help clarify any lingering doubts you have about the adverb clause of result.
Q1: What is the function of an adverb clause of result?
An adverb clause of result explains the consequence or outcome of the action stated in the main clause. It answers the question “What happened because of the action in the main clause?”
Example:
He didn’t prepare for the exam, so he failed.
Q2: What is the difference between an adverb clause of result and an adverb clause of purpose?
An adverb clause of result shows the outcome of an action, while an adverb clause of purpose shows the intention or goal behind an action.
Example of a result clause:
She studied hard, so she passed the test.
(This shows the outcome of studying hard.)
Example of a purpose clause:
She studied hard so that she could pass the test.
(This shows the intention or goal of studying hard.)
Q3: Can adverb clauses of result come before the main clause?
Yes, in some cases, adverb clauses of result can be placed before the main clause, usually for emphasis or dramatic effect. When the result clause comes before the main clause, use a comma to separate them.
Example:
So that everyone could enjoy the event, they planned it carefully.
Q4: Can “so that” be used in every adverb clause of result?
“So that” is commonly used when the result clause expresses a purpose or an intention. However, it can also introduce a result in more formal contexts, while “so” and “therefore” are more commonly used for direct consequences.