英语状语从句包括表示时间、原因、条件、让步、目的等等各种从句。
一、时间状语从句
1. 译成相应的时间状语
1）与原文顺序一致
While she spoke, the tears were running down。
她说话时，泪水直流。
2）后置改前置
Please turn off the light when you leave the room。
离屋时请关灯。
2. 译成“刚（一）…… 就……”的句式：
When I reached the beach, I collapsed。
我一游到海滩，就昏倒了。
3. 译成并列的分句：
1）译文前置
They set him free when his ransom had not yet been paid。
他还没有交赎金，他们就把他释放了。
2）后置不变
I was about to speak when Mr. Smith cut in。
我正想讲，史密斯先生就插嘴了。
二、原因状语从句
1. 译成表“因”的分句：
1）“因”在“果”之前
The crops failed because the season was dry。
因为气候干旱，作物歉收。
2）“果”在“因”之前
She could get away with anything, because she looked such a baby。
她能渡过任何风险，因为她看上去简直还像娃娃模样。
2. 译成因果偏正复句中的主句：
Pure iron is not used in industry because it is too soft。
纯铁太软，所以不用在工业上。
Because he was convinced of the accuracy of this fact, he stuck to his opinion。
他深信这件事正确可靠，因此坚持己见。
3. 译成无关联词的因果关系并列分句：
Where there is sound, there must be sound waves。
哪里有声音，哪里就必有声波。
After all, it did not matter much, because in24 hours, they were going to be free。
反正关系不大，24小时以后他们就自由了。
三、表示条件的状语从句
1. 译成表示条件的分句，汉语一般前置：
When this question is answered, even better and cheaper magnetic materials can be developed。
如果这一问题得到解决，就能研制出更好、更便宜的磁性材料。
2. 译成表示“假设”的分句，一般前置：
If one of them collapsed, as they often did, the guide used to carry him over the mountains.
如果其中一个人垮了，这种事常在他们中间发生，向导就要背着他过山。
3. 译成补充说明情况的分句，一般后置：
You can drive tonight if you are ready。
你今晚就可以出车，如果你愿意的话。
