Verbal phrases are often used as modifiers in English sentences. Modifiers are words and phrases that give more information about the subject of a sentence. Learning to recognize verbal phrases and their uses is an important part of understanding how to read and write in English.
So, which sentence contains a verbal phrase acting as a modifier? A verbal phrase is a phrase made up of a verb and any accompanying words related to it, such as adverbs or objects. Here’s an example of a sentence containing a verbal phrase acting as a modifier:
The little girl sang joyfully for the crowd.
In this sentence, the phrase “sang joyfully” is a verbal phrase made up of an adverb (“joyfully”) and a verb (“sang”). This phrase is acting as a modifier, as it provides additional information about the subject of the sentence, the little girl. Sang joyfully indicates that the little girl sang with great enthusiasm, making her performance even more impressive.
Verbal phrases can also be used as modifiers in other parts of a sentence. Here’s an example:
The actor sang jubilantly on the stage.
In this sentence, the phrase “sang jubilantly” is a verbal phrase acting as a modifier. It gives additional information about the actor’s performance on the stage, telling us that he sang with great joy.
Verbal phrases can also be used as modifiers when describing a person’s character or behavior. For example:
The loyal friend helped willingly with the heavy lifting.
In this sentence, the phrase “helped willingly” is a verbal phrase acting as a modifier. Here, it gives us information about the friend’s character, telling us that he was willing and eager to help with the heavy lifting.
By recognizing verbal phrases and their uses in sentences, you can become a better reader and writer. You can also make sure that your writing is more precise and descriptive, which will help you communicate more effectively.