THE ADVERB PHRASE

4.3. FUNCTIONS
Group 6:
1. Vũ Thị Nhâm.
2. Phạm Anh Phú.
3. Nguyễn Thị Châu Giang.
4. Trần Thùy Phương Trinh.
Adverb phrases have three
functions:
4.3.1 Adjunct function.
4.3.2 Conjunct function.
4.3.3 Disjunct function.
 4.3.1 Adjunct function:
• An adjunct is one of the main elements of
a clause that modifies or describes an
entire clause by providing additional
information about time, place, manner, or
condition.
For example:
1. Smoking is extremely strictly prohibited in the
hospital. (manner)
2. My cat killed the mouse right here.
(place)
3. Freddie usually comes home very late on
Friday. (time)
4. Do as you’re told, otherwise you’ll be in
trouble. (condition)
 4.3.2 Conjunct function:
• Conjuncts (however, yet, moreover,
thereupon, indeed…) serve to link one
clause or sentence to another.
*Note: These adverbs are not modified.
They come first in a sentence or at least
early on and are bound by commas in
writing.
For example:
1. Everyone had gone home. Still stood she
looking at the sky.
2. We were unable to get funding. Therefore, we
had to abandon the project.
3. Everyone played well. We still lost the game,
however.
 4.3.3 Disjunct function:
• Disjuncts also tends to occur initially in a
sentence. They reflect the attitude of the
speaker to what he is saying. Contrary to
adjuncts, they are not really constituents
of the clause that they introduce.
*Note: Sometimes disjuncts contain a pre-
modifier in the form of an "intensifying"
adverb.
Other adverbs having a disjunct function
include seriously, candidly, bluntly,
generally, personally.
For example:
1. Generally, people love keeping pets in their
home.
2. She’s wearing that dress, seriously?
3. Personally, I don’t like him at all.
Pick out the adverb phrases in the following
sentences and tell the functions of the phrases.
1. The situation has improved very slowly.
2. Honestly, your picture is a work of art.
3. We went out although it was raining.
4. I can’t go now, I’m too busy. Besides, my
passport is out of date.
5. Speaking candidly, I find your behavior a bit
offensive.
6. My new classmate ran incredibly fast in the
marathon.
1. The situation has improved very slowly.(Adjunct
function)
2. Honestly, your picture is a work of art.(Disjunct
function)
3. We went out although it was raining.(Conjunct
function)
4. I can’t go now, I’m too busy. Besides, my
passport is out of date.(Conjunct function)
5. Speaking candidly, I find your behavior a bit
offensive.(Disjunct function)
6. My new classmate ran incredibly fast in the
marathon.(Adjunct function)
 SUMMARY
1. Adjunct : provides circumstantial
information.
2. Conjunct : links one clause or sentence to
another.
3. Disjunct : reflects the attitude of the speaker.