Here is the completed worksheet with each adverbial phrase underlined and the question it answers written on the line.
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Adverbial Phrases
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.
Underline the adverbial phrase. On the line, write the question it answers.
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1. We expect our grandparents to arrive
in about an hour.
→
When?
2. My cousin watches television
almost as much as you do.
→
How much?
3. The weatherman says it will rain
all day.
→
When?
4. Your brother plays soccer
better than my brother does.
→
How?
5. Our friend drives
on Mondays.
→
When?
6. Gerard and Donna will walk
on the footpath.
→
Where?
7. The frog jumps
through the tall grass.
→
Where?
8. Mum combs my hair
more gently than Dad does.
→
How?
9. He found his lucky coin
in the morning.
→
When?
10. We raced our toy cars
on the playground.
→
Where?
11. Patrick and Anthony were reading their books
in the car.
→
Where?
12. The music teacher played the violin
better than her student.
→
How?
13. Georgia tried to talk to Ryan
underneath the water.
→
Where?
14. Early in the morning the air is cold and fresh.
→
When?
*(Note: “Early in the morning” is the adverbial phrase — it modifies “is” and tells us when the air is cold and fresh.)*
15. Mum will pick us up
after school today.
→
When?
16. Sue will run
on the track at school.
→
Where?
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✔ Explanation:
An
adverbial phrase functions like an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It usually answers one of these questions:
-
How? → describes manner (e.g., *better than my brother*, *more gently*)
-
When? → describes time (e.g., *in about an hour*, *on Mondays*, *all day*)
-
Where? → describes place (e.g., *on the footpath*, *through the tall grass*, *in the car*)
In each sentence, we identify the group of words that gives extra detail about the action (or state) — that’s the adverbial phrase. Then we ask: *What question does this phrase answer?* That’s what goes on the line.
For example:
- In sentence 1: “in about an hour” tells us *when* the grandparents will arrive → answer:
When?
- In sentence 4: “better than my brother does” tells us *how well* your brother plays → answer:
How?
- In sentence 6: “on the footpath” tells us *where* they will walk → answer:
Where?
This exercise helps students recognize how phrases (not just single words) can function as adverbs to add detail to sentences.
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Let me know if you’d like a printable version or further examples! 🐸
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of adverb phrases worksheet.
