Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to or functioning as an adverb: Describes something that has the character, role, or syntax of an adverb.
   • Of or pertaining to an adverb: Concerning the grammatical category of adverbs.

2. Noun:

   • A word or group of words functioning as an adverb: A linguistic unit, which can be a single word or a phrase, that modifies a verb, adjective, another adverb, or a whole clause in the same way an adverb does.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • In the phrase "very quickly," the word "very" has an adverbial function, modifying the adverb "quickly."
  • The clause "when she arrived" serves an adverbial purpose, indicating the time of the main action.

• Noun:

  • "In the morning" is an adverbial of time in the sentence "I work in the morning."
  • The word "here" functions as an adverbial of place.

Advanced Usage

• Adverbial clause: A dependent clause that functions as an adverb to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb in the main clause. It typically answers questions such as how, when, where, why, or to what degree.

  • Example: "She left because she was tired." (The clause "because she was tired" is an adverbial clause of reason.)

• Adverbial phrase: A phrase (a group of words without a subject and verb) that functions as an adverb.

  • Example: "He ran with great speed." (The prepositional phrase "with great speed" is an adverbial phrase of manner.)

• Sentence adverb (or disjunct): An adverb or adverbial that modifies an entire sentence or clause, often expressing the speaker's attitude.

  • Example: "Fortunately, the weather improved." (Here, "Fortunately" is a sentence adverb.)

Variants and Related Words

• Adverb (n): The primary word class (e.g., ) that an adverbial can belong to or function like.
• Adverbially (adv): In the manner of an adverb.
  • Example: "The phrase is used adverbially in that sentence."

Synonyms

• Modifier (n): A more general term for a word, phrase, or clause that qualifies or limits the meaning of another word. (Note: Not all modifiers are adverbials; some are adjectives.)
• Circumstantial (adj/n): In some grammatical descriptions, this can refer to elements expressing circumstances like time, place, or manner, similar to adverbials.

Related Phrases and Constructions

• Adverbial complement: An adverbial that is required to complete the meaning of a verb.
  • Example: "He put the book on the table." (The phrase "on the table" is an adverbial complement; the sentence is incomplete without it.)
• Fronted adverbial: An adverbial placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or stylistic effect.
  • Example: "Every day, she goes for a walk."

Adjective

1. of or relating to or functioning as an adverb
   • adverbial syntax

Noun

1. a word or group of words function as an adverb