An adverb phrase is simply two or more words that act as an adverb. It can modify a verb, adverb, or adjective and can tell “how”, “where”, “why”, or “when.”
An adverb clause which also modifies verbs, adverbs and adjectives; but, an adverb clause also includes a subject and a verb.
Adverb Phrases Describing How
Examples:
- With great regret
- In dismay
- Like a monk in meditation
- As if I care
- In silence
- With a song in my heart
- Like greased lightning
Adverb Phrases Describing Where
Examples:
- At the corner
- In the world
- Through the looking glass
- Over the rainbow
- Under the sea
- By the light of the moon
- Around the sun
Adverb Phrases Describing Why
Examples:
- To understand better
- For making cookies
- Since she was getting married
- So that I won’t get lost
- Lest she forget
Adverb Phrases Describing When
Examples:
- In an hour
- Any time
- Before next week
- After they go to bed
- Never at midnight
- After the sunset
- Only two days ago
Adverb Phrases in Sentences
Adverb phrases can be used in any position in a sentence.
Here are adverb phrase examples (shown as underlined) in various places in sentences:
- Bob nodded as if he understood.
- Meet me at the mall.
- Without thinking, he turned down the road.
- They must kiss before sunset.
- She went online for more information.
- In the forest many creatures snarl and growl.
- I will never do that, not in a million years.
- Dad spoke softly to calm her fears.
- They have a house by the ocean.
- She slammed the door in a huff.
- We will reconvene on the 25th of next month.
- Whenever I remember, I smile.
- She took some time of for a much needed vacation.
- At every possible turn, problems blocked his path.
- I saw a lot of trash beside the highway.
- He decided to join a gym to get in shape.
- Every time Jane runs the can opener, the dog comes to the kitchen.
- We strolled through the garden.
- With much consideration, he made his decision.
- Put the flowers by the birdbath.
- Jose always arrives sooner than the other students.
- She flew the plane between two buildings.
- So the audience could hear her, Michelle turned up the microphone.
- The seamstress mended the hem with needle and thread.
- Sometimes I don’t clean under the bed.
- He performed the tasks without care.
- Come closer so I can see how you have grown.
- Take this medication for pain as often as needed.
- The oath took us over the bridge.
- Mary learned, after a while, to drive slowly.
- To see the view, Harry climbed to the peak.
- The mysteries were placed next to the crime dramas.
- For answers to all your questions, just do a Google search.
- The parade coursed around the town square.
- She runs five miles every day.
- The children opened their presents with delight.
- In order to lose weight, he cut out most carbs.
- This product is available in all places.
- She responded in a very rude manner.
- First of all, you need to wash your hands.
- He stood on this very spot and lied.
- So that everyone could have clean water, they installed a filtration system.
To better understand the difference between an adverb phrase and an adverb clause, check out the examples of adverb clauses here on YourDictionary.