20 Examples of Adverbial Phrases

Adverbial phrases are an important element of language that help to modify and describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They can provide more depth and detail to a sentence, making it easier for the reader to understand what is being said. In this article, we will discuss 20 examples of adverbial phrases and how they can be used in different sentences.

What is an Adverbial Phrase?

An adverbial is a word or group of words that functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, and clauses. An adverbial phrase contains at least one adverb (or word acting as an adverb) with additional words that help define the meaning of the phrase. They often end with a preposition such as “in”, “on”, “at”, or “by”.

Adverbial phrases are usually set apart by commas, which help to explain how the phrase relates to nearby structures.

For example,

  • The fireworks lit up the sky in a magnificent display.

Functions Of Adverbial Phrase With Examples

Here are some common functions of adverbial phrases with examples:

  1. Modifying the verb:

Example:

  • She sings in the shower. (“in the shower” modifies the verb “sings” by indicating where she sings)
  1. Modifying the adjective:

Example:

  • The book is extremely interesting to read. (“extremely interesting to read” modifies the adjective “interesting” by indicating the degree of interest)
  1. Modifying the adverb:

Example:

  • He ran very quickly. (“very quickly” modifies the adverb “quickly” by indicating the degree of speed)
  1. Indicating time:

Example:

  • She arrived after the concert started. (“after the concert started” indicates the time of arrival)
  1. Indicating frequency:

Example:

  • He goes to the gym three times a week. (“three times a week” indicates the frequency of going to the gym)
  1. Indicating location:

Example:

  • The children played in the park. (“in the park” indicates the location where the children played)
  1. Indicating manner:

Example:

  • She walks with confidence. (“with confidence” indicates the manner in which she walks)
  1. Indicating reason:

Example:

  • He failed the exam because he didn’t study. (“because he didn’t study” indicates the reason for failing the exam)
  1. Indicating purpose:

Example:

  • She went to the store to buy groceries. (“to buy groceries” indicates the purpose of going to the store)
  1. Indicating condition:

Example:

  • If it rains, we will stay inside. (“if it rains” indicates the condition under which we will stay inside)

20 Examples of Adverbial Phrases

  1. She arrived quite early at the party.
  2. He answered the question with ease.
  3. She spoke softly and clearly during her presentation.
  4. They finished the task in record time.
  5. The child played with wild abandon on the playground.
  6. He ran as fast as he could to catch the bus.
  7. She always brings snacks just in case she gets hungry.
  8. The movie ended to everyone’s surprise with a twist.
  9. We’ll meet at the agreed time tomorrow.
  10. The dog barked loudly and persistently at the mailman.
  11. They walked hand in hand along the beach.
  12. The cat jumped gracefully onto the windowsill.
  13. She gazed deeply into his eyes.
  14. He listened with great interest to the lecture.
  15. They danced in perfect harmony throughout the night.
  16. She types quickly and accurately on her computer.
  17. The rain poured without any sign of stopping.
  18. He drives very cautiously in bad weather.
  19. She whispered so quietly that no one could hear her.
  20. The team celebrated with sheer joy after winning the championship.

Related: 20 Examples of Noun Phrases

Adverbial Phrase Of Time Examples

  1. Yesterday, I went to the park.
  2. Every morning, I go for a run.
  3. Last year, we went on vacation to Hawaii.
  4. Next week, I have an important meeting.
  5. In a few hours, the party will start.
  6. During the summer, I like to swim in the lake.
  7. At noon, I usually have lunch.
  8. On the weekend, I enjoy relaxing and reading.
  9. At night, the stars are so beautiful.
  10. In the morning, the birds chirp outside my window.

Adverbial Phrase Examples With Answers

  1. He speaks French fluently. (Adverbial phrase: fluently)
  2. She arrived at the party late. (Adverbial phrase: at the party)
  3. The team won the game in the last few seconds. (Adverbial phrase: in the last few seconds)
  4. I go to the gym every morning. (Adverbial phrase: every morning)
  5. The cat jumped off the table. (Adverbial phrase: off the table)
  6. She ran as fast as she could. (Adverbial phrase: as fast as she could)
  7. They slept through the whole movie. (Adverbial phrase: through the whole movie)
  8. He drove to work quickly. (Adverbial phrase: to work)
  9. The concert ended with a standing ovation. (Adverbial phrase: with a standing ovation)
  10. The bird sang sweetly in the morning. (Adverbial phrase: in the morning)

20 examples of adverbial phrases