An adverbial is a single word, a group of words, or a dependent clause that modifies a verb in a sentence, answering key questions like when, where, how, why, or how frequently.
An adverbial phrase is a group of words that modifies a verb in the sentence.
What is an Adverbial Phrase?
đ 1. Read the following questions and think of their answers:
When will you see me?
How is it raining?
How frequently does he visit you?
Why are you waiting here?
Each of the first four questions can be answered by using a single word.
For example, you can say:
I shall see you tomorrow.
I am going downstairs.
It is raining hard/heavily.
He scarcely visits me.
These single words are adverbs.
But you can answer any of the above questions by using a group of words.
For example, you can say:
I shall see you in the afternoon.
I am going to school.
It is raining very hard.
He visits me thrice a week.
I am waiting here to receive my friend.
These are all adverbial phrases.
An adverbial phrase is a group of words that modifies a verb in the sentence.
Identify the adverbial phrases in the following conversation:
Mukta: When are you going to London?
Mukul: I'm going there next week.
Mukta: Why are you going?
Mukul: I'm going there to attend a seminar.
Mukta: How are you going?
Mukul: I'm going by bus.
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Types of Adverbials and Examples
đ 2. Adverbs and Adverbial phrases have a common name. This name is Adverbial. That means, an adverbial is a single word or a group of words which modifies a verb. Look at the underlined words/phrases in the following sentences:
What are Adverbials of Time?
Rashid saw me yesterday.
I asked him to come in the morning.
It was raining then.
I shall go to Dhaka next week.
These words/phrases are called adverbials of time.
What are Adverbials of Place?
Can you come here?
I went there to invite my friend.
He was born in a big city.
I am living in an apartment.
These words/phrases are called adverbials of place.
What are Adverbials of Manner?
He speaks loudly.
She was brutally killed.
The problem was solved in an amicable way.
He was wounded very seriously.
These words/phrases are called adverbials of manner.
What are Adverbials of Frequency?
It often rains here.
He never tells a lie.
She phones me four times a day.
I go to Dhaka almost every week.
These words/phrases are called adverbials of frequency.
What are Adverbials of Purpose?
I went home to take rest.
He is going abroad for higher studies.
She studies hard to pass the exam.
They jumped into the pond to save the child.
These phrases are called adverbials of purpose.
An adverbial may also be a dependent clause in a complex sentence. For example:
I shall go home after he comes.
The girl had been married off before she was 18.
You can sit wherever you like.
It is raining like the sky is falling.
The flight was delayed because the weather was foggy.
Note: Anything-be it a word, phrase or clause-that modifies a verb is an adverbial.
All adverbs are adverbials but all adverbials are not adverbs.
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Key Takeaways
- An adverbial is any word, phrase, or clause that modifies a verb in a sentence.
- An adverbial phrase is a group of words functioning as an adverb to modify verbs.
- Adverbials can express time, place, manner, frequency, and purpose.
- All adverbs are adverbials, but not all adverbials are single-word adverbs.
Quick Practice
Try these quick questions and write your answers in the comments:
- Identify the adverbial type in the sentence: "He speaks loudly."
- Give an example of an adverbial of time using a phrase instead of a single word.
FAQ
What is an adverbial?
An adverbial is a single word, a group of words, or a dependent clause that modifies a verb in a sentence.
Are all adverbs considered adverbials?
Yes, all adverbs are adverbials, but not all adverbials are adverbs since they can also be phrases or clauses.
What are the different types of adverbials?
Adverbials are commonly categorized into adverbials of time, place, manner, frequency, and purpose.