INVESTIGATION “Modifying Expressions”

★ ADVERBIAL PHRASES (Adverbs of manner

and degree)
An adverbial phrase is a group of words that act together as an adverb, giving more
information about a verb, adjective, or other adverb in a sentence. The adverbial phrase
answers the same questions as a regular adverb: how/how much, when, or where.

● He bakes cakes every Sunday.

● We ran out of there at a breakneck speed.

★ Adverbs

An adverb is a word that modifies (describes) a verb (“he sings loudly”), an adjective
(“very tall”), another adverb (“ended too quickly”), or even a whole sentence
(“Fortunately, I had brought an umbrella.”). Adverbs often end in -ly, but some (such
as fast) look exactly the same as their adjective counterparts.

They make the meaning of a word more specific.

★ Adverbs of manner

Adverbs of manners tell us how something is done.

★ Where is an adverb of manners put in a sentence?

The adverb usually comes after the direct object or after the verb. Just like other
adverbs, they can provide more detail to sentences, giving the reader a clearer picture.
An adverb of manner cannot be put between a verb and its direct object. The adverb
must be placed either before the verb or at the end of the clause.

Examples:
● He speaks Spanish beautifully.
● You speak English fluently.
● I slept badly last night.
● The nurse picked up the baby softly.
● Try to do it carefully so we don’t have to redo it.
★ Adverbs of degree

Adverbs of degree tell us the degree or extent to which something happens.

★ Where is an adverb of degree put in a sentence?

Adverbs of degree are usually placed:

-Before the adjective or adverb they are modifying.

Examples:
● Children grow up really quickly.
● She is running very fast.
● You are walking too slowly.
● They are almost finished.
● This cake is absolutely wonderful.