The key difference between a prepositional phrase and an adverbial phrase is that the prepositional phrase can either act as an adjective or an adverb, whereas the adverbial phrase always acts as an adverb. A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition and its object, while an adverbial phrase acts as an adverb in a sentence.
Key Takeaways
- A prepositional phrase contains a preposition and its object and can function as an adjective or an adverb.
- An adverbial phrase always acts as an adverb and can modify verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
- Prepositional phrases that can act as adverbs also fall under the category of adverbial phrases, but not all prepositional phrases are adverbial phrases.
What is a Prepositional Phrase?
A prepositional phrase is a phrase made up of a preposition and its object. This object can be a noun, pronoun, gerund, or even a clause. A prepositional phrase always starts with a preposition, and its object always occurs after it. Examples include:
At school = (preposition + noun)
With her = (preposition + pronoun)
By signing = (preposition + gerund)
About what we feel = (preposition + clause)
A prepositional phrase functions as an adjective or an adverb in a sentence, but it can never act as the subject or the verb of a sentence.
What is an Adverbial Phrase?
An adverbial phrase is a phrase that acts as an adverb in a sentence. Most often, the main element in an adverbial phrase is an adverb. However, the other words in the phrase can modify this adverb. An adverbial phrase can modify verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Examples include:
As soon as possible
Very fast
Surprisingly well
Very few
Almost never
There are different types of adverbial phrases, such as adverbial phrases of manner, adverbial phrases of time, and adverbial phrases of place. This categorization is based on the function of the adverbial phrase.
What is the Relationship Between Prepositional Phrase and Adverbial Phrase?
Only prepositional phrases that can act as adverbs also fall under the category of adverbial phrases. Not all prepositional phrases are adverbial phrases.
What is the Difference Between Prepositional Phrase and Adverbial Phrase?
A prepositional phrase is a phrase that contains a preposition and its object, whereas an adverbial phrase is a phrase that acts as an adverb in a sentence. A prepositional phrase can either act as an adjective or an adverb; however, an adverbial phrase always acts as an adverb. This is the key difference between prepositional phrase and adverbial phrase. Moreover, prepositional phrases contain a preposition and its object, whereas adverbial phrases often contain adverbs and modifiers.
Summary – Prepositional Phrase vs Adverbial Phrase
A prepositional phrase is a phrase that contains a preposition and its object, whereas an adverbial phrase is a phrase that acts as an adverb in a sentence. The difference between prepositional phrase and adverbial phrase is that prepositional phrase can either act as an adjective or an adverb, whereas adverbial phrase always acts as an adverb.
