Adverb Phrase - Definition, Types and Examples

Adverb Phrase - Meaning

Cambridge Dictionary defines adverb phrase as "an adverb phrase consists of one or more words. The adverb is the head of the phrase and can appear alone or it can be modified by other words."

According to Collins Dictionary, "An adverb phrase or adverbial phrase is a group of words based on an adverb, such as 'very slowly' and 'fortunately for us'. An adverb phrase can also consist simply of an adverb."

From the above-mentioned definitions, we learn that:

1. An adverb phrase can be of one word, only an adverb.

2. An adverb phrase can be a group of words.

3. In an adverb phrase, the adverb is the head word.

4. Like an adverb, an adverb phrase describes a verb or verb phrase.

5. In a general context, adverb and adverbial phrases are the same, but in a principled sense, they are, to some extent, different from each other.


Adverb Phrase Examples 

a. Walk slowly.
b. John runs very fast.
c. I listen to my teacher very carefully.


Common Types of Adverb Phrase

1. Adverb phrase of time: It shows time and answers when an action happened, happens or will happen as in You came very late.


2. Adverb phrase of place: It shows the place where an action happened, happens or will happen as in John is waiting there for you.

3. Adverb phrase of manner: It shows the manner how action took place, takes place or will take place as in The students walked very carefully.
 
4. Adverb phrase of duration: It shows the duration and answers for how long an action happened, happens or will continue to happen as in This wine shop will be closed permanently. 

5. Adverb phrase of frequency: It shows how frequently an action took place, takes place or will take place as in John is so hardworking that he studies almost all the time.


Adverb Phrase Vs  Adverbial Phrase 

An adverb phrase, as has been mentioned, is a word or group of words that has an adverb as its head word. An adverbial phrase, on the other hand, is any phrase or group of words, containing or not containing an adverb, that acts an adverb.

Similarities and Differences Between Adverb and Adverbial Phrases

1. Both adverb and adverbial phrases describe a verb or verb phrase.

2. Both adverb and adverbial phrase answer questions like when, where, how, how often, how long, etc. 

3. An adverb phrase is specific; adverbial phrase is general.

4. An adverb phrase must contain an adverb, while an adverbial phrase need not necessarily contain an adverb.

Adverb Phrase Worksheets and Exercises

Before looking at the answer keys, look at the sentences in order to find out the adverb phrases yourself. Once you've gotten the adverb phrases, try to find out their types whether they are adverb phrases of time, place, manner, etc.

Select the adverb phrases, not adverbials in the below-given sentences and identify their types.

a. Listen to me very carefully when you're in my class.
b. The police firing took place right there in front of the library.
c. My uncle's shop closed temporarily.
d. He almost never attends the classes. 
e. John walked into the room very slowly.
f. Here comes the king.
g. John will arrive at the station very soon.


Answer keys:

a. Very carefully = adverb phrase of manner
b. Right there = adverb phrase of place
c. Temporarily = adverb phrase of duration
d. Almost never = adverb phrase of frequency 
e. Very slowly = adverb phrase of manner 
f. Here = adverb phrase of place
g. Very soon = adverb phrase of time

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)


What is an adverb phrase?

An adverb phrase consists of an adverb only or a group of words that describes a verb or verb phrase by answering why, when, where, how, how often, how long, etc.

Adverb phrase definition with examples


Cambridge Dictionary defines adverb phrase as "an adverb phrase consists of one or more words. The adverb is the head of the phrase and can appear alone or it can be modified by other words." as in He listens to his teacher very attentively.