The Adverbial Clause of Result is a commonly used grammatical element in the IELTS test. It emphasizes the result or outcome of an action or event. When used correctly, this clause helps you build clear and concise sentences while maintaining proper grammar.
In this article, IDP IELTS provides a complete guide to Adverbial Clauses of Result, including key structures, usage cases, and practical examples. You can also test your understanding with exercises and answer keys provided at the end of the article.
1. What Is an Adverbial Clause of Result?
An Adverbial Clause of Result is a dependent clause used to emphasize the result of a specific action or situation. It cannot stand alone and must be attached to an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Examples:
He studied hard for the exam, so he aced it with flying colors.
His accent was so strong that I could not understand a word he was saying.
2. Common Structures of Adverbial Clauses of Result
Structure: So... that
The “so... that” structure expresses a cause-and-effect relationship. Depending on the context, you can use an adjective or an adverb between “so” and “that.”
Structure and Examples:
S + be + so + adjective + that + S + V I was so cold that my teeth were chattering.
S + V + so + adverb + that + S + V Anna walked so quickly that I could not keep up with her.
S + V + so many/few/much/little + noun + that + S + V There was so much food that we could not eat it all.
Structure: Such... that
“Such... that” has the same meaning as “so... that,” but it is often used with countable or uncountable nouns.
Structure and Example:
S + V + such + (a/an) + adjective + noun + that + S + V It was such a boring speech that I fell asleep.
Structure: Enough... to
This structure is used to show that something is sufficient to achieve a result.
Structure and Examples:
S + be + adjective + enough (+ for + object) + to-infinitive He is old enough to take care of himself.
S + V + adverb + enough (+ for + object) + to-infinitive If the immune system is not strong enough, the faulty cells will multiply.
Structure: As a result / Therefore
These phrases are used at the beginning of the result clause, typically after a comma.
Structure and Examples:
S + V. As a result / Therefore, S + V
As a result, he had to take it again.
He was the only candidate; therefore, he was elected.
3. Adverbial Clause of Result Exercises
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences using result conjunctions
This test was __________ easy that he did not need to check his answers.
They had __________ long and tiring trip that they just wanted to go home.
Anna has __________ beautiful voice that she should try to become a professional singer.
Most TV programs are __________ boring that nobody watches them.
Ken is __________ a nice dog that he never barks.
Hanh is __________ bored that she just wants to sleep.
These are __________ great pictures that I never want to throw them away.
The day was __________ hot that everybody went to the beach.
It was __________ dark that I could not see her face.
We had __________ horrible day that we felt depressed.
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct words
Finland is __________ a nice place to go on winter holidays. The winter there is __________ mild and welcoming. You can do snowboarding, skating, skiing or any other winter sport. There are __________ many possibilities. We found __________ a lovely hotel, and it was __________ a short walk to the skiing slope. Well, the winter season in Finland is not __________ cheap as we expected, but we had __________ a great time there. It is __________ tempting to come there every winter.
Answer Key
Exercise 1
so
such
such
so
such
so
such
so
so
such
Exercise 2
such
so
so
such
such
so
such
so
Master the Adverbial Clause of Result with IDP
We hope this guide has helped you better understand how to use the Adverbial Clause of Result in English. Although this is a slightly more advanced grammar point, consistent daily practice will help you memorize its structures and avoid common errors.
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