What Is an Adverbial Phrase? | Definition & Examples
An adverb phrase (or adverbial phrase) is two or more words that function as an adverb in a sentence by modifying a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or an entire clause.
Adverbial phrases, like all adverbs, often explain when (e.g., “in two weeks”), where (e.g., “across from the library”), why (e.g., “to save money”), or how (e.g., “very carefully”).
After the movie, let’s go out to eat.
Put that book on the top shelf.
What is an adverbial phrase?
An adverbial phrase (or adverb phrase) is a group of words that functions as an adverb to give more information about the main clause of a sentence.
Adverbial phrases are formed in different ways. Sometimes, they consist of two adverbs: an intensifier or qualifier (e.g., “very,” “quite,” “somewhat”) followed by another adverb.
Somewhat regretfully, I sold my concert tickets.
Prepositional phrases (e.g., “under the counter”) and infinitive phrases (e.g., “to avoid the crowds”) can also act as adverbial phrases. Even though they are not formed with an adverb, these phrases can function as adverbs in a sentence.
Dev is saving money to buy a house.
Just like adverbs, adverb phrases can have different functions in a sentence, as shown in this table.
| Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Place | Describe where something happens | We walked in the park. |
| Time | Describe when something happens | The principal will come before lunch. |
| Purpose | Describe why something happens | Sofia is studying to become an engineer. |
| Manner | Describe how something happens | I played the song almost perfectly. |
Adverbial phrase placement
Adverbial phrases can appear at the beginning or end of a sentence. The choice of where to place them often depends on what you want to emphasize.
When used at the beginning of a sentence, an adverbial phrase is called a fronted adverbial and is usually followed by a comma. When an adverbial phrase appears at the end of a sentence, no comma is required.
At the end of the performance, the audience gave a standing ovation.
The audience gave a standing ovation at the end of the performance.
When adverbial phrases at the beginning of a sentence are very short (i.e., fewer than four words), some writers will omit the comma. This is acceptable, but it is also acceptable to include a comma. Longer adverbial phrases at the beginning of a sentence should always be followed by a comma.
- On Tuesday we’re flying to London.
- On Tuesday, we’re flying to London.
- On the last Tuesday of the month we meet for coffee.
- On the last Tuesday of the month, we meet for coffee.
Sometimes, the location of the adverb phrase can change the meaning of the sentence. It is important to consider your intended meaning and watch out for misplaced modifiers (i.e., modifiers that are not clearly connected to what they are supposed to modify).
After the meeting, I’ll tell Theo I’ll work on the project. [the adverbial phrase modifies “tell”]
Adverbial phrases vs adverbial clauses
Both adverbial phrases and adverbial clauses are groups of words that function as adverbs in sentences. The difference is that adverb clauses have a subject and a verb.
After lunch, I took a nap.
After I ate lunch, I took a nap.
We will start the hike at sunrise.
We will start the hike when Cade arrives.
Frequently asked questions about adverbial phrases
- What are the different types of adverbials?
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Adverbials are words or groups of words that modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or entire clauses.
There are three types of adverbials. Adverbs (e.g., slowly) are one-word adverbials. Adverbial phrases (e.g., “before breakfast”) and adverbial clauses (e.g., “until I come home”) are adverbials made up of multiple words.
Adverbial clauses have both a subject and verb, while adverbial phrases do not.
- Can you end a sentence with an adverb?
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Yes, sentences can end with adverbs, which are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (e.g., “I run slowly”).
Sentences can also end with an adverbial phrase (e.g., “after dinner”) or adverbial clause (e.g., “after she eats lunch”).
- What is the difference between an adjective phrase and an adverb phrase?
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An adjective phrase is a group of words that acts as an adjective in a sentence by modifying a noun (e.g., “the weathered gray house”).
An adverbial phrase (or adverb phrase) is a group of words that acts as an adverb in a sentence by modifying a verb, adjective, adverb, or entire clause (e.g., “He ran very quickly”).
Adjective phrases can contain adverbs (e.g., “the exceptionally smart dog”). To distinguish between adjective phrases and adverb phrases, think about what the phrase modifies in the sentence.
