An adverbial phrase is a group of words that functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, adverb, or an entire clause. Much like adverbs, adverbial phrases provide additional details about the manner (how), place (where), time (when), or purpose (why) of an action or event.
Examples:
- Manner: She spoke with a soft tone. (How did she speak?)
- Place: The book fell behind the shelf. (Where did the book fall?)
- Time: We’ll meet in the evening. (When will we meet?)
- Purpose: He studied late to prepare for the exam. (Why did he study late?)
Adverbial clauses are similar in nature to adverbial phrases, but they possess a subject and a verb. Unlike phrases, adverbial clauses form a complete thought or clause that modifies the main clause of a sentence.
Examples:
- Manner: He performed as if he had rehearsed for months. (How did he perform?)
- Place: Wherever you go, I will follow. (Where will I follow?)
- Time: I left after the sun had set. (When did I leave?)
- Purpose: She worked hard so that she could buy a new car. (Why did she work hard?)
- Condition: If it rains, the game will be canceled. (Under what condition will the game be canceled?)
Adverbial clauses typically begin with subordinating conjunctions like “when,” “if,” “because,” “although,” and “unless,” which introduce the additional information or condition related to the main clause.
Adverbial phrases
An adverbial phrase, or adverb phrase, is a group of words that functions as an adverb, modifying the main clause of a sentence. These phrases provide additional details about the action or state being described.
Adverbial phrases are made up of two adverbs:
These are formed by combining a qualifier or intensifier (e.g., “incredibly,” “rather,” “very,” “somewhat”) with another adverb.
Example: She spoke incredibly slowly during her speech. (Modifies the verb “spoke”)
Prepositional phrases as adverbial phrases:
These phrases begin with a preposition and modify the verb, adjective, or another adverb in the sentence.
Example: The concert was held in the evening. (Modifies the verb “was held”)
Infinitive phrases as adverbial phrases:
These phrases consist of the word “to” followed by a verb, acting as an adverbial to provide purpose or reason.
Example: She went to the store to buy groceries. (Modifies the verb “went” by providing the purpose)
Participial phrases as adverbial phrases:
These phrases begin with a present or past participle and function as adverbs, often describing manner or condition.
Example: Laughing uncontrollably, the comedian delivered his punchline. (Modifies the verb “delivered” by describing the manner)
Here are some functions of adverbial phrases:
| Type | Function | Example |
| Manner | Describes the way in which an action is performed | She spoke softly. (How did she speak?) |
| Place | Indicates the location or position of an action or event | The store is located downtown. (Where is the store located?) |
| Purpose | Explains the reason or purpose for an action | He studied hard to get good grades. (Why did he study hard?) |
| Time | Specifies when an action or event occurs | The meeting will be held tomorrow morning. (When will the meeting be held?) |
Adverbial clauses
An adverbial clause, also known as an adverb clause, is a dependent clause that contains a subject and a verb, functioning as an adverb to provide additional information or modify the main clause of a sentence.
Adverbial clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as “because,” “since,” “before,” “although,” and “so that,” which connect them to the main clause. Unlike independent clauses, adverbial clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences because they rely on the main clause for context and meaning.
These clauses serve various purposes, including:
| Type | Function | Example |
| Manner | Describes the way in which an action is performed | She spoke as if she knew the answer. (How did she speak?) |
| Place | Indicates the location or position of an action or event | I will go wherever you go. (Where will I go?) |
| Purpose | Explains the reason or purpose for an action | He studied hard so that he could get good grades. (Why did he study hard?) |
| Time | Specifies when an action or event occurs | I will leave after I finish my work. (When will I leave?) |
| Condition | Introduces a condition or hypothesis | If it rains, we will have to cancel the picnic. (Under what condition?) |
| Comparison | Compares two actions, events, or states | She works harder than her colleagues. (How hard does she work in comparison?) |
| Concession | Expresses a contrast or unexpected situation | Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk. (What unexpected situation occurred?) |
Adverbial placement rules
Adverbial phrases and adverbial clauses can be strategically positioned at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, allowing writers to emphasize certain information or create a desired flow.
When an adverbial phrase or clause is placed at the beginning of a sentence, known as a fronted adverbial, it is typically followed by a comma to separate it from the main clause.
For example:
- At the crack of dawn, the hikers began their ascent.
- After finishing her homework, she went to play outside.
However, no comma is needed when the adverbial is placed at the end of the sentence:
- The concert ended late in the evening.
- She prepared the meal carefully so as not to burn it.
When positioned in the middle of a sentence, adverbial phrases and clauses are set off with commas on both sides, creating a pause between the subject and verb:
- The students, despite the challenging material, excelled in the course.
- She, having practiced diligently, performed flawlessly at the recital.
In some cases, the placement of adverbial clauses and phrases can significantly alter the intended meaning. A misplaced modifier, where the modifier is not clearly connected to the word or clause it’s meant to modify, can lead to ambiguity or confusion:
- Ambiguous: Carrying a heavy backpack, the trail seemed endless. (It’s unclear whether the backpack or the trail is being described.)
Clear: The trail seemed endless, carrying a heavy backpack.