An adverbial phrase is a group of words that functions as an adverb in a sentence, providing additional information about the action of a verb. Adverbial phrases often answer questions such as how, when, where, why, or to what degree an action takes place. These phrases can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, adding detail and nuance to the sentence.
Here are a few examples of adverbial phrases:
- Example: He walked to the store.
The adverbial phrase โto the storeโ answers the question โwhereโ and modifies the verb โwalked.โ - Example: She sang with joy.
The adverbial phrase โwith joyโ answers the question โhowโ and modifies the verb โsang.โ - Example: They will meet at the park tomorrow.
The adverbial phrase โat the park tomorrowโ answers the questions โwhereโ and โwhenโ and modifies the verb โwill meet.โ - Example: The car moved slowly up the hill.
The adverbial phrase โup the hillโ answers the question โwhereโ and modifies the verb โmoved slowly.โ
Adverbial phrases can include prepositional, infinitive, participial, or other types of phrases that function as adverbs. They add specificity and detail to an action’s manner, place, time, or circumstances in a sentence.
