Adverb Phrase
To make writing or speaking more proficient and meaningful, we use some modifiers. When we want to add more to the meaning of a verb, we can add a word or group of words. A group of words in this case can be a phrase or clause that is generally known as adverbial.
This page explains adverb phrases. You
can also study adverbs and adverb clauses on our site Study English Page.
Definition of Adverb Phrase
An adverb phrase is a group of words without a subject and verb that plays similar roles as an adverb. An adverb phrase is an alternative to an adverb in the form of a group.
Examples of Adverb Phrases
- I don’t talk to him all the time.
- John submitted his documents a few days ago.
- He replies to me in a minute.
- I go asleep holding my book.
- Do not sleep like a baby.
- He went to Islamabad to find a new job.
- You need to fill in the form to take admission.
- He is so genius, so he answers me very quickly.
- They renew their agreement every year.
- I started teaching in March 2007.
Types of Adverb Phrases
An adverb phrase like an adverb gives
extra information. The information can be of different types; therefore, adverb
phrases are categorized based on the extra information. There are four main
types: adverb phrases of time, adverb phrases of place, adverb phrases of
manner, and adverb phrases of reason.
Adverb Phrases of Time
An adverb phrase of time gives extra
information to clarify the questions with when and how often.
- I walk early in the morning.
- You will not believe me that I give more time to my studies every day.
Adverb Phrases of Place
It is an adverb phrase that tells us
where something happens or clarifies the question with where.
- The cupboard should be placed in the corner.
- I have put my cell phone on the table.
Adverb Phrases of Manner
An adverb phrase of manner tells us the
way how something happens. It is a phrase that answers the question of how.
- Ali is driving very carefully.
- Whenever I drive, I drive with great speed.
Adverb Phrase of Reason
It is an adverb phrase that tells us the
reason for happening something. It clarifies the question of why.
- He asked us to find out about the matter.
- He turned off the light to go asleep.
Formation of Adverb Phrases
There are different formats for adverb phrases;
however, three are the common formats.
Prepositional Phrase
The one very common format is a
prepositional phrase that can be used to function as an adverb.
- Ali is sitting in the corner.
The adverb phrase “in the corner” is
headed by a preposition that functions as an adverb.
Infinitive Phrase
An infinitive phrase is headed by an
infinitive verb that can be used to work as an adverb phrase. We call it an
adverb phrase when it clarifies the question asked with why.
- He has gone to Australia to earn money.
An Adverb + An Intensifier
An adverb phrase can be formed by using
an adverb and an intensifier. An intensifier is used in front of an adjective
or adverb.
- He wrote the application very carefully.
Remember that the above formats are so
common but not final. Any group of words that is functioning as an adverb is an
adverb phrase.
- She calls me every week.
Key Points Related to Adverb Phrases
Use Commas Correctly
When an adverb phrase comes at the
front of a sentence, you need to use a comma after the adverb phrase.
- At five O’clock, I have to leave my home.
When an adverb phrase comes at the end,
you do not need to use a comma, and the sentence needs to be ended with a
punctuation mark based on the sentence.
- I dipped the brush in the paint.
“To” instead of “In Order To”
We can reduce the word count by using
“to” instead of “in order to”, but sometimes it becomes a little ambiguous.
Using “in order to” also emphasizes the reason for the action.
- They jumped over the fence in order to escape as a dog was chasing them.
