Phrases: types, adverbial phrases - SS1 English Lesson Note

Definition of a phrase : A phrase is a group of words that do not make a complete sentence. Phrases can be used as nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.

An adverbial phrase is a group of words that refines the meaning of a verb, adjective, or adverb. Similar to adverbs, adverbial phrases modify other words by explaining why, how, where, or when an action occurred. They may also describe the conditions of an action or object, or the degree to which an action or object was affected.

WHEN (ADVERBIAL PHRASE OF TIME)

An adverbial phrase of time states when something happens or how often. For example:

• I'll do it in a minute.

• After the game, the king and pawn go into the same box. (Italian Proverb)

• Do not wait for the last judgment. It takes place every day. (Albert Camus)

WHERE (ADVERBIAL PHRASE OF PLACE)

An adverbial phrase of place states where something happens. For example:

• I used to work in a fire-hydrant factory. You couldn't park anywhere near the place. (Steven Wright)

• Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and, instead of bleeding, he sings. (Ed Gardner)

HOW (ADVERBIAL PHRASE OF MANNER)

An adverbial phrase of manner states how something is done. For example:

• He would always talk with a nationalistic tone.

• He sings in a low register.

• People who say they sleep like a baby usually don't have one. (Leo J. Burke)

WHY (ADVERBIAL PHRASE OF REASON)

An adverbial phrase of reason states why something is done. For example:

• He went to the island to find gold.

• He plays up to impress his classmates.

• We tell ourselves stories in order to live. (Author Joan Didion)

THE FORMAT OF ADVERBIAL PHRASES

Here are three common formats for adverbial phrases:

 PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE

A prepositional phrase is headed by a preposition (e.g., "in," "on," "near," "by," "with"). For example:

• He was standing in the corner.

• She is winning without trying.

 INFINITIVE PHRASE.

An infinitive phrase is headed by an infinitive verb (e.g., "to play," "to jump"). For example:

• She went to Florence to paint.

• Fill in this form to join our club.

AN ADVERB WITH AN INTENSIFIER.

An adverb with an intensifier (e.g., "very," "extremely," "really") is also an adverbial phrase. For example:

• He answered you very quickly.

• She danced extremely beautifully.

There are, of course, other formats. For example:

• We arrived a day later than expected.

• I paid him every week.