Describe the structure and function of a temporal clause.

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Describe the structure and function of a temporal clause.

A temporal clause is a type of subordinate clause that provides information about time in a sentence. It is used to indicate when an action or event in the main clause takes place. The structure of a temporal clause typically consists of a subordinating conjunction or adverb, followed by a subject and a verb.

The function of a temporal clause is to add temporal information to the main clause, helping to establish a time frame or sequence of events. It provides context and clarity to the sentence by answering questions such as when, how long, or how often an action occurs.

For example, in the sentence "I will go to the park when it stops raining," the temporal clause "when it stops raining" indicates the specific time or condition for the action of going to the park. The subordinating conjunction "when" introduces the temporal clause, and the verb "stops" indicates the action that needs to occur before the main action can take place.

Temporal clauses can also be introduced by other subordinating conjunctions or adverbs such as after, before, while, since, until, as, whenever, etc. Each of these conjunctions or adverbs provides a different temporal relationship between the main clause and the temporal clause.

In summary, the structure of a temporal clause includes a subordinating conjunction or adverb, a subject, and a verb. Its function is to provide temporal information and establish a time frame or sequence of events in relation to the main clause.