Do you know what an adverbial phrase is? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on adverbial phrases, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Your Dictionary, adverbial phrases, also known as adverb phrases or adverbial clauses/adverb clauses, modify a verb, infinitive phrase, adjective or another adverb and function as an adverb modifying another word. This could be an infinitive verb, single adverb, and more. These multi-word expressions are a group of words that usually answer the questions of how, where, why or when something was done. These may contain a prepositional phrase, or be a prepositional phrase acting as an adverb. The different types of adverb phrases are those that describe how, where, why, and when, adjunct adverbials, disjunct adverbials, conjunct adverbials, adverbial phrase of time states, adverbs of place, and more.
While an adjective describes a noun or main subject, adverbs describe predicates. There are many types of phrases that can be used in a sentence, including a verb phrase or other qualifier. Knowing subject-verb combination and other grammar terms can eliminate confusion.
What are examples of adverbial phrases?
An adverbial phrase can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! Below are many examples of adverbial phrases from Your Dictionary and Learn Grammar that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use. The first sentence, second sentence, third sentence, and all other sentences contain adverbial phrases.
Mary needs to drive her new car much more carefully.
David runs five miles every day for soccer.
She went online for more information.
Are you thinking in this way?
They have a house right by the ocean.
This product is available in all places.
We strolled through the vegetable gardens very slowly.
I will meet you tomorrow at the mailbox.
She responded very rudely, for pity’s sake.
We are working so hard to complete the project.
Bob is trying to win the game by hook or by crook.
We will reconvene earlier than usual.
I will not do that, never in a million years!
Truly happy, I gave him my answer which rolled off my tongue.
The dog came in for his bath, incredibly reluctantly.
I saw a lot of trash beside the highway.
Sometimes I don’t clean under the bed.
Take this medication as often as needed.
The student is trying heart and soul to pass the exam.
He stood on this very spot and lied to me.
Don’t talk to me in that tone.
I came here yesterday for the worksheets.
Once upon a time, the lady lived here.
The mystery books were placed next to the crime dramas.
At every turn, problems blocked his path.
So as not to disturb anyone, Michelle tiptoed to bed.
Meet me at the mall later this evening.
We are going to watch a movie on Friday.
John was walking so quickly.
She flew the plane through the fog calmly and skillfully.
There are many different literary and grammatical techniques and devices that you might see when you are reading prose or poetry. It is important to recognize these terms because they are always used for some purpose. Knowing these devices can help readers understand the author’s deeper meaning and why they are using such a device. Take a look at the below list of grammatical devices from OED and see how many you know! Then try researching ones that are unfamiliar to you.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.