
(Reason 1) Be careful not to create a misplaced modifier.Ī misplaced modifier is a word (or group of words) that does not link clearly to what it is intended to modify. Here are four good reasons to think more carefully about adverbial phrases. If you have a group of words that is functioning as an adverb and that doesn't feature a subject and a verb (meaning it's not an adverbial clause), then you're looking at an adverbial phrase. An adverb with an intensifier (e.g., "very," "extremely," "really") is also an adverbial phrase. An infinitive phrase is headed by an infinitive verb (e.g., "to play," "to jump"). A prepositional phrase is headed by a preposition (e.g., "in," "on," "near," "by," "with"). Here are three common formats for adverbial phrases: We tell ourselves stories in order to live.He plays up to impress his class mates.

Burke)Īn adverbial phrase of reason states why something is done.


This example has been included to prove that "in silence" is an adverb.) It tells us how Jack sat.)Ĭompare the example above with these examples:

(The adverbial phrase "in silence" is functioning as an adverb of manner. Here is an easy example of an adverbial phrase:
