An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb. That is, the entire clause modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. As with all clauses, it contains a subject and predicate, though the subject as well as the (predicate) verb may sometimes be omitted and implied (see below). An adverbial clause begins with a subordinating conjunction—sometimes called a trigger word. (In the examples below the adverbial clause is italicized and the subordinating conjunction is bolded.)