LoginAdverbial Phrases for intermediate learners
Adverbial phrases are made of two or more words and are used as the adverb of the sentence. In this lesson, you will get to know phrasal verbs.
What Are Adverbial Phrases?
In simple terms, adverbial phrases are similar to adverbs: they modify the verb or another adverb and add more information to the sentence. However, an adverb can be a single word, while adverbial phrases are made up of multiple words.
Adverbial Phrases: Structure
Adverbial phrases can take different forms including prepositional phrases, infinitive phrases, and adverb phrases with intensifiers. We will discuss each in more detail in the following:
Adverbial Phrases Made with Infinitives
Infinitives consist of 'to' + the base form of the main verb. We can sometimes use them as an adverbial phrase in the sentence. Look at the following examples:
She ran out
As you can see, if we remove the adverbial phrase, the sentence remains complete.
The Mickeys went out
Adverbial Phrases Made with Prepositions
Another type of adverbial phrase includes a prepositional phrase. Take a look at the examples:
My family will come here
I talked to him
Adverbial Phrases Made with Intensifiers
As it is clear from their name, 'intensifiers' emphasize the word they are modifying. Some adverbial phrases are formed with these intensifiers. Look below:
The horses run
The engines are working
Adverbial Phrases: Functions
Adverbial phrases function like adverbs in a sentence by modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They provide information on the manner, time, place, degree, or reason for the action or state described. Thus, they can serve as adverbs of time, adverbs of place, adverbs of manner, and reason.
Women used to wear different colors
She cries
We walked
The cars are racing
Position in a Sentence
Adverbial phrases mostly come after the main verb. However, they can appear at the beginning of the sentence or after the object as well. Take a look at the examples:
He sleeps
The reverend gave a speech
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