Adverbial phrases
Elementary (A2)en
Adverbial phrases (time, place, frequency)
Adverbial Phrases of Time, Place, and Frequency
1. What Are Adverbial Phrases?
Adverbial phrases are groups of words that give more information about a verb.
They tell us:
Adverbial phrases are groups of words that give more information about a verb.
They tell us:
- Time – when something happens
Examples: in the morning, at night, on Mondays
- Place – where something happens
Examples: at school, in the park, at home
- Frequency – how often something happens
Examples: every week, twice a month, three times a year
Important: Adverbs and adverbial phrases give more detail about actions, so they make your sentences more interesting and accurate.
2. Placement of Adverbial Phrases in a Sentence
The position of adverbial phrases in a sentence is important to make your sentences clear.
General structure for A2 level learners:
Subject → Frequency Adverb → Verb → Object → Time Phrase → Place Phrase
Examples:
2. Placement of Adverbial Phrases in a Sentence
The position of adverbial phrases in a sentence is important to make your sentences clear.
General structure for A2 level learners:
Subject → Frequency Adverb → Verb → Object → Time Phrase → Place Phrase
Examples:
- “I usually read a book in the evening at home.”
- “She often drinks coffee in the afternoon at the café.”
- “He often plays football on Saturdays at the park.”
- “They rarely eat fast food in the evening at home.”
- “I always drink coffee in the morning at the kitchen table.”
Tip: Frequency adverbs usually come before the main verb, except with the verb to be, where they come after the verb:
- “I am always happy at school.”
- “She is sometimes tired in the evening.”
Related Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with words related to this grammar topic