The adverbial modifier

The adverbial modifier is a secondary part of the sentence, which modifies a verb, an adjective or an adverb. According to their meaning we distinguish the following adverbial modifiers:

1. The adverbial modifier of time (it shows the time of the action or state expressed by the predicate):

We shall try it tomorrow.

2. The adverbial modifier of frequency (it shows how often or how regularly the action or the state expressed by the subject takes place):

They often ask silly questions.

3. The adverbial modifier of place and direction (it shows the place of the action or the direction of the movement expressed by the predicate):

Gains had spies everywhere.

4. The adverbial modifier of manner (it expresses the way or the manner in which the action expressed by the predicate is performed)

Their conversations were conducted with icy formality.

5. The adverbial modifier of attendant circumstances (it shows another action performed together with the action expressed by the predicate):

Now I can go to bed without dreading tomorrow.

6. The adverbial modifier of degree and measure (it shows the degree, measure or level of a quality or state):

It’s rather good.

You are absolutely right.

7. The adverbial modifier of cause (it shows the cause or the reason of the action or state expressed by the predicate):

Mr. Snow being in difficulty, all considerations of private feelings must give way.

Because of the snow we couldn’t continue our trip.

8. The adverbial modifier of result or consequence (it shows the result or the consequence of the action or state expressed by the predicate); adverbs too and enough are often used:

She is too fond of a child to leave it.

He is clever enough to solve such problems himself.

9. The adverbial modifier of condition (it is very rare and it shows the condition under which the action or state expressed by the predicate takes place):

She never would have been able to make such success, but for the kindness and assistance of the men.

Without working hard you will achieve nothing.

10. The adverbial modifier of comparison (it gives characteristic to states and actions comparing them with some other states, qualities or actions):

Kathy is as white as wool.

11. The adverbial modifier of concession (it is very rare and it shows that the action or state expressed by the predicate is unexpected because there is an obstacle):

Though frightened, he carried it off very well.

Despite the mistakes her work is good.

12. The adverbial modifier of purpose (it shows the purpose of the action or state expressed by the predicate):

I’ve come here to tell you the truth.

They opened the way for her to come to him.