Improve your writing easily by using adverbial phrases in English. These phrases can make your sentences more descriptive and provide extra details in a simple and effective way.
What is a Phrase?
A phrase is a group of two or more words that work together to add meaning but don’t form a complete sentence. Unlike clauses, phrases do not have both a subject and a verb. For example:
- In the park (This is a phrase because it doesn’t have a subject or verb, but it still adds meaning.)
What is an Adverb?
An adverb is a word that modifies or describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It explains things like how, when, where, why, or to what extent an action happens.
For example:
- She ran quickly. (The adverb “quickly” describes how she ran.)
- It’s very hot today. (The adverb “very” describes the adjective “hot.”)
Read More: Types of Adverb with Example Sentences
What is an Adverbial Phrase?
An adverbial phrase is a group of words that functions as an adverb. It adds more information about the action, such as the time, place, manner, reason, or condition. Unlike a single adverb, it is made up of multiple words working together.
For example:
- He spoke in a calm voice. (The phrase “in a calm voice” describes how he spoke.)
- They will meet after the show. (The phrase “after the show” describes when they will meet.)
Why Use Adverbial Phrases?
Adverbial phrases can make your writing more engaging and informative by:
- Providing specific details (e.g., She waited at the corner.)
- Adding context (e.g., He left early because of the traffic.)
- Creating vivid descriptions (e.g., She danced with great enthusiasm.)
Types of adverbial phrases in English:
There are different kinds of adverbial phrases, which are given below.
- Adverbial phrase of time
- Adverbial phrase of place
- Adverbial phrase of manner
- Adverbial phrase of reason
Adverbial phrase of time (when)
An adverbial phrase of time explains when something happens, how long or how often. The most commonly used adverbial phrases of time are: for a week, since morning, yesterday, last year, all day, for a while, every day, in a minute, tomorrow, any time, etc.
For example,
- He will arrive within a few minutes.
- She slept during the match.
- In a short time, the sun will set.
- I’ll meet you tomorrow.
- Let’s go for a walk after dinner.
- The national library of Pakistan closes at eight o’clock.
Adverbial phrase of place (where)
An adverbial phrase of place tells us where something takes place. The most commonly used adverbial phrases of place are: right here, at home, under the table, nearby, on the road, etc.
For example,
- The Earth rotates on its axis.
- She is waiting outside the mall.
- The cat is hiding under the table.
- I’ll meet you in the cafeteria.
- The Faisal mosque is located on the foothills.
- He was standing in the corner.
Adverbial phrase of manner (how)
An adverbial phrase of manner tells us how something happens. The most commonly used adverbial phrases of manner are: very carefully, quite easily, in a very bad way, very loudly, wisely, etc.
For example,
- She answered in a very rude manner.
- He does his work very carefully.
- Asim teaches English in an effective way.
- He was shouting very loudly.
- They are gaining victory quite easily.
- Time goes very quickly.
Adverbial phrase of reason (why)
An adverbial phrase of reason tells us about the reason behind an action, and why something takes place. The most commonly used adverbial phrases of reason are: to understand better, to receive thoroughly, because of, to do something, therefore, etc.
For example,
- He ran to cross the road.
- I’m happy to see you.
- She is ready to forgive him.
- He could not join us due to health issues.
- Abraham Lincoln fought to eradicate slavery.
- Everyone was excited about this event.