In the English language, an adverb phrase is basically a group of two or more words that can function as the adverb in a sentence. It functions just like an adverb. It will help in modifying the verb, adjective or sometimes another adverb or adjective.
What are Adverbial Phrases?
So adverb phrases assist in answering the questions how, where, when or in what manner. You can have a look at the examples given below.
Consider the following sentences:
- Meghna parked the car in the parking.
- Meghna parked the car here.
- Meghna parked the car right here.
- Meghna parked the car right here under the bridge.
If you have a look at all the sentences then you would understand that the first statement does not contain any sort of adverb phrase at all. In the second one, you could see the adverb “here”. It is used to describe the place where the car is parked. In the third statement the adverb phrase “right here” is used. It is used to put the emphasis on where the car is actually parked. It will employ the phrase instead of a single phrase.
Now in the final sentence, you could see a group that contains a longer and more informative adverbial phrase.
| Note: You must notice that the phrase “right under the bridge” is a prepositional phrase which makes use of the preposition “under” and the sentence object “bridge”. |
In the fourth sentence the prepositional phrase function as the adverb as it modifies the verb of the sentence to describe the exact location fo the car being parked.
Examples of Adverb Phrases
In simple and short words, the adverb phrase generally contains an adverb and at least one other word which comes before and after it. Let’s see how these words can act as the adverbial phrase.
Adverb Phrases Describing How
- Surprisingly well
- In total silence
- Often under duress
- Very carefully
- Quite easily
Adverb Phrases Describing Where
- Near the edge
- Through the looking glass
- Over the rainbow
- By the mailbox
- Around the sun
Adverb Phrases Describing Why
- To understand better
- For her happily ever after
- For pity’s sake
- To make the most of it
- To end discrimination
Adverb Phrases Describing When
- As quickly as possible
- Any time
- Yesterday afternoon
- After a few minutes
- Never at midnight
20 Sentence Examples Using Adverbial Phrases
Now let’s see some example sentences which will help you in gaining a better understanding.
- Bob nodded like a bobblehead.
- Meet me at the mall later this evening.
- Without thinking, he turned down the road.
- They must kiss before sunset to break the spell.
- She went online for more information.
- In the forest, many creatures snarl and growl.
- I will not do that, never in a million years!
- Dad spoke softly to calm her fears.
- They have a house right by the ocean.
- She slammed the door in a huff.
- We will reconvene earlier than usual.
- Truly happy, I gave him my answer.
- She took some time off for a much-needed vacation.
- At every turn, problems blocked his path.
- I saw a lot of trash beside the highway.
- He decided to join a gym to get in shape.
- The dog came in for his bath, incredibly reluctantly.
- We strolled through the gardens very slowly.
- He made his decision as quickly as possible.
- Put the flowers by the birdbath.
- Jose always arrives sooner than the other students.
- She flew the plane through the fog calmly and skillfully.
- So as not to disturb anyone, Michelle tiptoed to bed.
- The seamstress mended the hem with needle and thread.
- Sometimes I don’t clean under the bed.
Conclusion:
Although you are familiar with the Adverbs, adverb phrase and adverb clause but the important thing are not to get confused between adverb phrase and adverb clause. An adverb phrase is just a group of words that functions as an adverb. An adverb clause is a sentence phrase that contains a subject as well as a verb.