What question does the adverb clause answer? we're moving to abilene if we sell our house. when where how why under (on) what condition compare/contrast

correct answer:   under (on) what condition.

the adverb "if" introduces the adverbial clause, "if we sell our house."   that's the condition on which the move to abilene depends.

adverbs are words that modifiy adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs, or (as in this example), modifying or qualifying a group of words or clause in a sentence.   the term "adverb" comes from the latin, adverbium, which means "to the word." verbum is the latin word for a "word."   it's interesting that we use the latin word for "word" (verbum) in english as "verbs" to indicate the words in a sentence that indicate action.   when you are writing, remember that verbs (carrying the action of the sentence) are the most important words.   famous novelist stephen king advises writers to let strong verbs carry their sentences and to use adverbs sparingly.   when editing his writing, he says he deletes "all the adverbs i can bear to part with (never all of them; never enough)."

in the case of this sentence, the adverbial "if" phrase is necessary to the meaning of the sentence, so it needs to stay!