What is Adverb Phrase

• An adverbial (or adverbial phrase) is a

linguistic term for a single adverb or a
group of more than one word operating
adverbially, when viewed in terms of their
syntactic function.
EXAMPLE ( 1 )
 Clinton ran quickly.
In this sentence, the adverb ‘quickly’ gives another
detail about the verb ‘ran’.

 Clinton ran with great speed.

In this sentence, the same meaning has been
conveyed by using ‘a group of words’-‘with great
speed’.

In this same manner, the meaning of an adverb can

be conveyed by using different a group of words.

That group of words is called ADVERB-PHRASE.

EXAMPLE ( 2 )
• In the following sentences, the first sentence and the
second sentence in a pair convey the same meaning but
using adverb in the first sentence and adverb-phrase in the
second sentence.

 He answered rudely.
 He answered in a rude manner.

 He does his work carelessly.

 He does his work without care.

 This product is available everywhere.

 This product is available in all places.
• An Adverb phrase is a group of words that does
the work of an adverb.
• Here few adverbs with their corresponding
adverb-phrases.
Bravely…in a brave manner
Bravely…With bravery
Unwisely…In an unwise manner
Unwisely…without wisdom
Swiftly…in a swift manner
Swiftly…with swiftness
Beautifully…in a beautiful manner
Formerly…in the former times
Formerly… once upon a time
Soon…at an early date
There…at that place
Away…to another place
Loudly…in a loud noise
 EXERCISE
A) Pick out the adverb phrases in the following
sentences.
Example: John ran with great speed.
Adverb phrase: with great speed.
• She answered the question in a very rude
manner.
• He does his work without care.
• They are coming at this very moment.
ANSWER:

1. in a very rude manner.

2. without care.
3. at this very moment.
 B) Replace the adverb in the following
sentences by adverb phrases of the same
meaning.
Example: John ran quickly.
John ran with great speed.
• Did he behave well?
• The rain fell gently.
• The door was suspiciously open.
 
 
ANSWER:

1. in a good way.
2. in a gentle manner.
3. in a suspicious way.
 REFERENCES
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverb_phrase