Adverbial
Definition
An adverbial is a word, phrase or clause that adds information such as manner, time, place, reason, condition or viewpoint. Adverbial names the function, not a single word class.
Examples
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The team finished the task quickly.
The adverb quickly functions as a manner adverbial.
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We met after lunch.
The prepositional phrase functions as a time adverbial.
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I stayed home because I felt ill.
The clause functions as a reason adverbial.
Adverb vs. adverbial
She answered carefully.
Carefully is an adverb by word class and a manner adverbial by function.
She answered with great care.
The phrase is not an adverb, but it performs the same manner function.
An adverb is a type of word. An adverbial is a job that can be performed by an adverb, phrase or clause.
Some adverbials comment on the whole sentence
Not every adverbial describes the action itself. Sentence adverbials can express an attitude, evaluation or viewpoint toward the complete message.
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Fortunately, nobody was injured.
The adverbial evaluates the whole situation as fortunate.
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In my opinion, the plan is too risky.
The phrase states the viewpoint from which the claim is made.
Common mistakes
She spoke quiet during the meeting.
She spoke quietly during the meeting.
Use the adverb quietly when a single word functions as a manner adverbial.
He put the keys.
He put the keys on the shelf.
Put normally requires a place adverbial to complete the meaning.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which expression functions as a time adverbial?
After the meeting tells when the leaving will happen.Which sentence contains a phrase, not an adverb, functioning as a manner adverbial?
With great care is a prepositional phrase performing a manner function.Which sentence contains a sentence adverbial?
Surprisingly comments on the entire situation.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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