What Is an Adverbial Phrase? | Definition & Examples

An adverb phrase (or adverbial phrase) is two or more words that function as an adverb in a sentence by modifying a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or an entire clause.

Adverbial phrases, like all adverbs, often explain when (e.g., “in two weeks”), where (e.g., “across from the library”), why (e.g., “to save money”), or how (e.g., “very carefully”).

What is an adverbial phrase?

An adverbial phrase (or adverb phrase) is a group of words that functions as an adverb to give more information about the main clause of a sentence.

Adverbial phrases are formed in different ways. Sometimes, they consist of two adverbs: an intensifier or qualifier (e.g., “very,” “quite,” “somewhat”) followed by another adverb.

Prepositional phrases (e.g., “under the counter”) and infinitive phrases (e.g., “to avoid the crowds”) can also act as adverbial phrases. Even though they are not formed with an adverb, these phrases can function as adverbs in a sentence.

Just like adverbs, adverb phrases can have different functions in a sentence, as shown in this table.

Adverbial phrase placement

Adverbial phrases can appear at the beginning or end of a sentence. The choice of where to place them often depends on what you want to emphasize.

When used at the beginning of a sentence, an adverbial phrase is called a fronted adverbial and is usually followed by a comma. When an adverbial phrase appears at the end of a sentence, no comma is required.

When adverbial phrases at the beginning of a sentence are very short (i.e., fewer than four words), some writers will omit the comma. This is acceptable, but it is also acceptable to include a comma. Longer adverbial phrases at the beginning of a sentence should always be followed by a comma.

Sometimes, the location of the adverb phrase can change the meaning of the sentence. It is important to consider your intended meaning and watch out for misplaced modifiers (i.e., modifiers that are not clearly connected to what they are supposed to modify).

Adverbial phrases vs adverbial clauses

Both adverbial phrases and adverbial clauses are groups of words that function as adverbs in sentences. The difference is that adverb clauses have a subject and a verb.

Frequently asked questions about adverbial phrases

What are the different types of adverbials?

Adverbials are words or groups of words that modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or entire clauses.

There are three types of adverbials. Adverbs (e.g., slowly) are one-word adverbials. Adverbial phrases (e.g., “before breakfast”) and adverbial clauses (e.g., “until I come home”) are adverbials made up of multiple words.

Adverbial clauses have both a subject and verb, while adverbial phrases do not.

Can you end a sentence with an adverb?

Yes, sentences can end with adverbs, which are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (e.g., “I run slowly”).

Sentences can also end with an adverbial phrase (e.g., “after dinner”) or adverbial clause (e.g., “after she eats lunch”).

What is the difference between an adjective phrase and an adverb phrase?

An adjective phrase is a group of words that acts as an adjective in a sentence by modifying a noun (e.g., “the weathered gray house”).

An adverbial phrase (or adverb phrase) is a group of words that acts as an adverb in a sentence by modifying a verb, adjective, adverb, or entire clause (e.g., “He ran very quickly”).

Adjective phrases can contain adverbs (e.g., “the exceptionally smart dog”). To distinguish between adjective phrases and adverb phrases, think about what the phrase modifies in the sentence.