Identify the adverb clause of condition in the following sentence:
The college library will lend you the books that you need for the project provided you return them within a week.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → provided you return them within a week
Adverb clause of condition:
- An adverb clause of condition tells on what condition something will happen. It begins with if, unless or provided (that).
- Here the library will lend the books only on one condition: “provided you return them within a week”. The clause starts with “provided” and ends with “week”.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: The college library will lend you the books — Incorrect. This is the main clause. It makes sense on its own.
Option 2: that you need for the project — Incorrect. This is an adjective clause. It describes the noun “books”. It does not give a condition.
Option 4: you return them within a week — Incorrect. This is only part of the clause. It leaves out the joining word “provided”, which shows the condition.