The adverbial modifier

§ 94. The adverbial modifier (or the adverbial) is a secondary part of the sentence which modifies another part of the sentence expressed either by a verb (in a finite or non-finite form), or an adjective, or a stative, or an adverb.

In case it modifies a verb the adverbial characterizes the action or process expressed by tlie verb and denotes its quality, quantity, or the whole situation.

The adverbial modifier may refer to:

a) The predicate-verb or to a verbal phrase.

John spoke in a whisper.

Bowen read the telegram aloud.

b) The whole of the sentence, especially if placed at the beginning of the sentence.

In the evening they gathered together again.

If an adverbial modifies a non-finite form, it becomes partof a gerundial, participial, or infinitive phrase or construction.

Felicity fell to the ground and after lying still for a moment began to crawl forward.

Scobie watched the bearers go slowly up the hill, their bare feet very gently flapping the ground.

Adverbials modifying adjectives, statives and adverbs usually denote degree or quantity. These adverbials modify:

a) Adjectives in their attributiveor predicative function.

It was a very long story.

The story was extremely long.

He is six feet tall.

b) Stativesin their predicativefunction.

I am quite aware of the situation.

c) Adverbs in their main function as an adverbial.

You speak English rather fluently.