Adverbial 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.

"Adverbial Phrases" in the English Grammar

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 to tell them something.

As you can see, if we remove the adverbial phrase, the sentence remains complete.

The Mickeys went out to buy cupcakes for the guests.

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 on Monday.

I talked to him in the evening.

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 very quickly.

The engines are working really slowly.

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 to show their status in society. (Adverb of reason)

She cries in the middle of the night. (Adverb of time)

We walked in the park. (Adverb of place)

The cars are racing very quickly. (Adverb of manner)

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 in the forest.

The reverend gave a speech on Easter Day.

On 4th of July, we all went to the Great Festival.

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What Are Adverbial Phrases?
Adverbial Phrases: Functions
Position in a Sentence

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