adverbial phrase
nounUK /ədˈvɜːbiəl freɪz/
US /ədˈvɜːrbiəl freɪz/
A group of words that works like an adverb to tell how, when, or where something happens.
In the sentence 'She sang with great joy,' the words 'with great joy' are an adverbial phrase.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A phrase functioning as an adverbial in a sentence, often answering questions like how, when, where, or why.
'After the storm' in 'After the storm, we cleaned the yard' is an adverbial phrase of time.
3. A prepositional phrase used adverbially to modify a verb, adjective, or other adverb.
'At the park' in 'They played at the park' acts as an adverbial phrase of place.
4. In grammar teaching, any multi-word unit that occupies an adverb slot in clause structure.
'Very quickly' in 'He ran very quickly' is an adverbial phrase modifying the verb 'ran'.