We have
already seen that a group of words called an adjective phrase can serve the same purpose as an adjective. In the
same way, an adverb phrase can does
the work of an adverb.
Study the following examples.
He spoke politely. (Here the adverb politely
says something about the manner in which he spoke.) He
spoke in a polite manner. (Here the
adverb phrase ‘in a polite manner’ also says how he spoke.)
Thus we have seen that an adverb phrase modifies a verb just like
an adverb does.
It is
available now. It is
available at the moment.
In the
pair of sentences given above, the adverb phrase ‘at the moment’ modifies the
verb just like the adverb now does.
Definition
An adverb phrase is a group of words that serves the same purpose
as an adverb. Like an adverb, an adverb phrase
can also modify an adjective or another adverb.
Some adverbs and their equivalent adverb phrases
are given below.
Bravely
(adverb) – in a brave manner (adverb phrase) Beautifully – in a beautiful manner / way /
style Formerly –
in former times / once upon a time Recently –
just now or at a recent date Soon –
before very long Here – on
this spot Everywhere – in all places Now – at
the moment