SUMMARY OF THE SYNTACTIC FUNCTIONS OF ADVERBS AND ADVERBIAL GROUPS
Adverbs have three main functions:
• as Adjunct in clause structures;
• as modifier in group structures; and
• as connectives between clauses.
In clause structures
I knew her pretty well. Adjunct
Thankfully, no-one was injured. Stance adjunct
So you don’t want to come, then. Inferential connective
Everyone rushed out. Directional complement
In group structures
All wet; too long; completely new modifier in AdjG
Nearly there; very often; more quietly modifier in AdvG
The then Minister of Health; a nearby pub modifier in NG
Right on target; just down the road sub-modifier in PP
Much too short; far too frightening sub-modifier in AdvG
(Not) all that easily; sub-modifier in AdvG
Fast enough; very tired indeed post-modifier in AdvG
Never again; nowhere near; post-modifier in AdvG
The way out; the journey back post-modifier in NG
Somewhere else BrE /Someplace else AmE complement of determinative
Over there; from inside complement in PP
Pick up; pull off; take out particle in VG
