II. CAUSAL CLAUSES
398. An adverbial clause may express cause.
Causal clauses are introduced by the subordinate conjunctions because, since, as, inasmuch as, and sometimes that.
- I came home because I was tired.
- As the day was clear, we decided to climb the mountain.
- Since you will not relent, you must take the consequences.
- We were glad that the wreck was no worse.
- Tom was delighted that his friend was safe.
Since is a preposition or an adverb when it denotes time; as is an adverb when it denotes time. Both since and as are conjunctions when they express cause. For as used as a relative pronoun, see [§ 147].
III. CONCESSIVE CLAUSES
399. An adverbial clause may express concession.
A concessive clause is usually introduced by a subordinate conjunction, though, although, or even if. It admits (or concedes) some fact or supposition in spite of which the assertion in the main clause is made.
- Although I do not like his manners, I respect his character.
- We won the game, though we expected to lose.
- Even if you fail, you will have gained experience.
- Even if you were a king, you would find somebody or something more powerful than yourself.
- Though he should read books forever, he would not grow wise.
Note. While is often used as a weaker or more courteous synonym for although.