adverbial phrases

USAGE SUMMARY

"adverbial phrases" is correct and usable in written English.
Adverbial phrases are groups of two or more words used to modify or describe verbs. You can use them to add further detail to an action happening in the sentence. For example: Tom enthusiastically danced around the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Most adverbial phrases do not need hyphens.

The Guardian

Think carefully about adverbial phrases such as "radically questioned".

The Guardian

Or you could just say "bookings" Advent calendar adverbs Most adverbial phrases do not need hyphens.

The Guardian

He notes that some of these double-word modifiers grow out of adverbial phrases: in "technology at the cutting edge," the adverbial phrase is swung around in front of the noun to become cutting-edge technology; in the same way, "you can track changes in real time" becomes real-time data.

The New York Times - Magazine

I found one project backed by Salus Mundi a little disturbing New Perspectives on Historical Latin Syntax Constituent Syntax" Adverbial Phrases, Adverbs, Mood, Tense.

Forbes

various genetic and geographical groupings, there is similarity between the formal expression of imperfective aspect, especially progressive aspect, and various locative adverbial phrases" (1992 98).

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

1. Give me, quickly if you please, an example of an adverbial phrase.

The Guardian - Books

Rather, "in Christ" is an adverbial phrase that modifies the verb "shall be made" or perhaps the whole clause, "shall all be made alive". Thus, this passage says that all shall be made alive.

Yale University

An idiom like "Make yourself at home" is rather tricky if you stop to think about it: the imperative verb "make" is followed by a second-person reflexive pronoun ("yourself") and an adverbial phrase ("at home"), but it's difficult to break the phrase into its components.

The New York Times - Magazine

After an introductory adverb or adverbial phrase the verb generally took second place as in modern German: Nū bydde iċ ān thing "Now I ask [literally, "ask I"] one thing"; Thȳ ilcan gēare gesette Aelfrēd cyning Lundenburg "In that same year Alfred the king occupied London".

Encyclopedia Britannica

As for non-predicative V-DE constructions, they are those cases in which the de-part has an overt adverbial phrase alone, as shown in 46.

Lingua Sinica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary the placement of "adverbial phrases" within a sentence to create different effects and improve flow.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by placing "adverbial phrases" as close as possible to the words they modify. Misplaced phrases can unintentionally alter the meaning of the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "adverbial phrases" is to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing additional information about the action, quality, or manner being described. As Ludwig AI confirms, these phrases add detail to a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adverbial phrases" are groups of words functioning as adverbs to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Ludwig AI confirms their grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting their role in adding detail to sentences. They are commonly found in news, scientific, and academic writing, offering context and clarity. Related phrases include "adverb phrases" and "adverbial modifiers". Remember to place them carefully to avoid ambiguity and enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adverb phrases

A shorter, more concise term referring to the same grammatical structure.

adverbial constructions

Focuses on the structural aspect of how adverbs are used within sentences.

adverbial modifiers

Highlights the modifying function of these phrases within a sentence.

adverbial elements

Broader term encompassing any element that functions adverbially, including phrases.

phrases functioning as adverbs

Emphasizes the functional role of the phrases rather than their specific structure.

expressions used as adverbs

Similar to the above, focusing on the usage of expressions in an adverbial manner.

circumstantial adjuncts

A more technical term used in linguistics to refer to adverbial phrases that provide circumstantial information.

modifier phrases

Referring to any phrase that acts as a modifier, of which adverbial phrases are a subset.

phrases of manner, time, or place

Specifies the common types of information conveyed by adverbial phrases.

sentences with adverbs

This is a broader term which does not have as direct connection, referring to sentences where adverbs are present.

FAQs

How can I identify an adverbial phrase in a sentence?

An adverbial phrase modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating how, when, where, why, or to what extent something is done. It functions as an adverb but consists of two or more words.

What are some common types of adverbial phrases?

Common types include phrases of time (e.g., "after the game"), place (e.g., "in the garden"), manner (e.g., "with great care"), and reason (e.g., "because of the rain").

How do adverbial phrases differ from adverbial clauses?

Adverbial phrases are groups of words that act as adverbs but lack a subject and verb. Adverbial clauses, on the other hand, contain both a subject and a verb and function as adverbs. You can often replace adverbial clauses with shorter "adverbial expressions".

Can a prepositional phrase function as an adverbial phrase?

Yes, a prepositional phrase can function as an adverbial phrase when it modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb, providing information about time, place, manner, or reason. For example, "in the morning" acts as an adverbial phrase indicating when something happens.