Short Answer 
Adverbial clauses provide additional information about the main action by answering questions of when, where, why, or how. They can be identified in sentences by analyzing their context, such as the reasons or circumstances behind actions, and distinguishing them from relative clauses that describe nouns.
Step 1: Identify Adverbial Clauses
To recognize adverbial clauses, look for groups of words that provide extra information about the action in the main clause. They typically answer questions such as when, where, why, or how something happens. In the examples provided, both sentences contain clauses that clarify the reasoning or context behind the actions.
Step 2: Analyze the Example Sentences
Consider the following two examples that include adverbial clauses:
- “So that we would have enough left for tomorrow, we only used half of the vegetables in the salad.” – This clause explains the reasoning behind using only half of the vegetables.
- “Javy was named captain of the team despite it being his first year on the team.” – This clause provides context, indicating that naming him captain was unusual due to his lack of experience.
Step 3: Distinguish From Other Clauses
It’s essential to differentiate adverbial clauses from other types, such as relative clauses. While adverbial clauses add information about the action, relative clauses typically provide more detail about a noun. Recognizing these distinctions can help improve your understanding of sentence structure and clarity in writing.