Adverbial phrases can use gerund phrases to provide information about how, when, why, or where an action takes place. A gerund phrase consists of a gerund (a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun) along with any modifiers or objects that accompany it.

When a gerund phrase functions as an adverbial phrase, it modifies a verb by answering questions such as “how?” “when?” “why?” or “where?”

Here’s how this works in practice:

How: The gerund phrase can describe the manner in which an action is performed.

Example: “He improved his skills [by practicing daily].”

In this sentence, “by practicing daily” is a gerund phrase that tells us how he improved his skills.

When: It can indicate the time of the action.

Example: “She sings [while studying].”

Here, “while studying” is a gerund phrase that specifies when she sings.

Why: It may provide a reason for the action.

Example: “She took the class [to learn dancing].”

In this case, “to learn dancing” expresses the purpose behind why she took the class.

Where: Although less common, gerund phrases can also describe a location related to the action.

Example: “He loves [running in the park].”

In this sentence, “in the park” modifies the action of running by specifying where he loves to run.

By including gerund phrases in a sentence, you create adverbial phrases that help convey additional context and details about the actions being described.

Usage issues

He (subj) glides (v)
[through the water] // where?
[like an eel] // how?
[to catch the freshest fish]. // why? note: fish is plural

There is no strict grammatical limit to the number of prepositional phrases you can combine for a subject in English, but practical considerations apply. While theoretically, you could construct a subject with numerous prepositional phrases, doing so can lead to sentences that are overly complex and difficult to read.

For example, you could say:

“The book on the table in the corner of the room under the window with the beautiful curtains belongs to my friend.”

In this example, there are multiple prepositional phrases used to specify the noun “book.” However, clarity and readability can suffer as you add more phrases.

In formal writing and communication, it’s generally advisable to keep sentences concise and clear. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your audience can easily follow your meaning. If a sentence becomes too convoluted, it may be better to break it into shorter, clearer sentences.

How do I break convoluted phrases into shorter clearer sentences?

Breaking convoluted prepositional phrases into shorter, clearer sentences involves identifying the core ideas and rearranging them for improved clarity. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you:

Identify the Main Idea: Look for the main subject and verb in the original sentence. Understand what the sentence is trying to convey.

Isolate Prepositional Phrases: Find the prepositional phrases that are making the sentence lengthy or complex. Prepositional phrases often begin with words like “in,” “on,” “at,” “around,” “with,” “for,” etc.

Extract Key Information: Break down the information in the prepositional phrases into simpler parts. Consider what each phrase adds to the overall meaning.

Create Shorter Sentences: Rewrite the ideas using shorter sentences. Focus on clarity and ensure that each sentence conveys one main idea.

Use Clear Vocabulary: Opt for straightforward vocabulary that will enhance understanding without sacrificing meaning.

Check for Flow: When you write multiple sentences, ensure there’s a logical flow between them that makes it easy for the reader to follow.

Example
Original Sentence:
The proposal submitted by the committee in response to the recent changes in regulations put forth by the board of directors was unanimously accepted.

Breaking It Down:

Identify the Main Idea: The proposal was accepted.

Isolate Prepositional Phrases:

“submitted by the committee”
“in response to recent changes”
“in regulations”
“put forth by the board of directors”
Extract Key Information:

The committee submitted a proposal.
The proposal addressed recent regulatory changes.
The board of directors introduced the changes.
Create Shorter Sentences:

The committee submitted a proposal.
The proposal addressed recent changes in regulations.
The board of directors introduced these changes.
It was unanimously accepted.
Put it all together:

The committee submitted a proposal. This proposal addressed recent changes in regulations introduced by the board of directors. It was unanimously accepted.
By following these steps, you can effectively break down convoluted sentences into clearer, more concise statements.

Removing Ambiguity with prepositional phrases

Joe fed the shark in the cage.

(Does the prepositional phrase tell us where Joe was when he fed the shark, or does it tell us which shark Joe fed? In other words, is “in the cage” functioning as an adverb modifying “fed”

Joe (fed) the shark [in the cage]. // Joe went into the cage and fed that shark.

or an adjective modifying “shark?

Joe fed (the shark) [in the cage]. // so…there are sharks elsewhere ‘outside’ of the cage.

1) If you read it as an adverb (i.e., telling us where Joe was), you might assume there was just one shark.

2) If you read it as an adjective (i.e., “the shark that was in the cage”), you would assume there were other sharks.)

You can usually eliminate ambiguity by rewording your sentence with a relative clause:

• Joe was in the cage when he fed the shark. √
• Joe fed the shark that was in the cage. √

If your prepositional phrase is ambiguous, move it next to (usually immediately to the right of) whatever it’s meant to be modifying.

Ambiguous:

[is glass bottles] is meant to function as an adverb and modify ‘sell’?
or function as adjective and modify noun ‘anyone’?

We will not sell paraffin to anyone in glass bottles. X

Correct:

Move it after what you’re trying to modify.
We will not sell paraffin in glass bottles to anyone. √

Ambiguous:
Simon and his mother were reunited after 52 years in McDonald’s. X

[in McDonald’s] was meant to modify “reunited” but when we put it at the end it reads as if after 52 years in McDonald’s, they reunited.

This is not what we’re. trying to say. Hence, we want to put prepositional phrase “in McDonald’s” AFTER what we’re trying to modify: reunited. We want to say they were reunited in McDonald’s, so we move the location McDonald’s after ‘reunited’.

Correct:

Simon and his mother were reunited [in McDonald’s] after 52 years.

ref – https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/adverb-phrases

An Adverb Phrase consists of an adverb (The adverb is the head of the phrase) and can appear alone or it can be modified by other words.

Adverb phrases modifies verbs

We use adverb phrases most commonly to modify verbs. In the examples the adverb phrases are in bold. The verbs that they modify are underlined:

I [exercise] very regularly
I [eat] quite healthily
Children [grow] up.

Adverb phrases modifies ‘am/is/are’

We use adverb phrases with be. This is especially typical of adverbs of place:

I [am] upstairs. // upstairs modify ‘am’

It is (linking verb) only(adv)a spider. // only modifies ‘is’

I am (linking verb) too(adv) smart.

She is (linking verb) very (adv) silly.

Adverb phrases modifies adjectives/adverbs

We use adverb phrases (adv) to modify adjectives and other adverbs:

I found it extremely (adv) difficult (adj) to talk to her.

He drives really (adv) carefully (adv).

Adverb phrases modify noun/prepositional phrases

We use adverb phrases (adv) to:

1) modify noun phrases (np)

quite – to the utmost or most absolute extent or degree; absolutely; completely

That is quite (adv) [a tree] (noun phrase). (it’s a tree that is special in some way, e.g. it’s very big)
There is even (adv) [a place for shoes] (noun phrase).
There is hardly/barely (adv) any food. (noun phrase).
I peer over (adv) [the cliff] (noun phrase).
She lean over (adv) [the railing] (noun phrase).

Yes, adverbs can modify prepositional phrases. An adverb can provide additional information about the relationship expressed by the preposition and its object. For example:

She ran quickly up the stairs.
The cat jumped high onto the table.
He spoke softly with the visiting professor.
In these sentences, the adverbs “quickly”, “high”, and “softly” modify the prepositional phrases “up the stairs”, “onto the table”, and “with the visiting professor” respectively, providing more detail about the manner or degree of the action expressed in the prepositional phrase.

2) prepositional phrases:

I (s)
peer (v)
over (adv)
[at the funny old man.] (prepositional phrase)

I (subj)
run (verb)
daily (adv)
[at the park.] (prepositional phrase)

We (subj)
climb (verb)
right (adv)
[over the sofa.] (prepositional phrase)

Our budget (subj)
runs (verb)
well (adv)
[into six digits] (prepositional phrase).

Adverb phrases modify determiners

We use adverb phrases to modify determiners, especially words like:
– all
– some
– half
– many (quantifiers):

Only(adv) half(determiner) of my friends could come to my party.
Only(adv) some(determiner) of the survivors reached the shelter.

Very (adv) few (determiner) people have heard of my city.
[Nearly (adv) all (determiner) of the cookies] = subject
have been (present perfect verb)
eaten.

A monster lives [in] a cave. (3)

subject = A monster (with three eyes) adjective prepositional phrase
verb = lives
preposition = in
adjective phrase = a very comfortable
noun = cave.

subject = The cave
verb = sits
preposition = on
prepositional noun = top
adjective prepositional phrase = of a mountain Used as adjective to describe the noun ‘top’

subject = The [very friendly] monster adjective phrase
verb = loves
object = animals.

One day,

subject = the animals
verb = come
adverb = over
preposition = for
preposition object = dinner

subject = The monster
verb = cooks
object = a big pot
prepositional phrase as adjective to describe ‘big pot’ = of delicious soup

He uses onions, potatoes, and tomatoes.
He uses fresh onions [from Gansu], sturdy potatoes [from Shandong], and juicy tomatoes [from Xinjiang].

subject = The [very hungry] animals adjective phrase
verb = wait
preposition = for
prepositional object = [the hot, delicious soup] adjective phrase is series of adjectives ‘hot, delicious’ to describe prep obj ‘soup’

subject = Each (deter) animal
verb = gets
object = one bowlful (noun – bowl full amount of food).

subject = They
verb = eat
preposition = until
prepositional object = [their stomachs are full] (prep obj).

The prepositional object

“their stomachs are full” is a noun clause.
An object can take noun clauses.

ref – https://www.examples.com/english/adjective/adjective-prepositional-phrase.html

Begins with a preposition and functions as an adjective.

The cat with green eyes is my favorite.

The dishes in the glass cabinet are antique.

The girl with curly hair won the competition.

I love the paintings from the Renaissance period.

The book by the famous author was sold out.

People without tickets were asked to leave.

The building with tall spires is a cathedral.

The dog with a shiny coat is well-groomed.

I prefer the room with a balcony view.

The chocolates from Belgium are delicious.

The man with the top hat is a magician.

Trees with pink blossoms line the street.

The car without a sunroof is cheaper.

The tea from the high mountains tastes fresh.

The woman with red lipstick is a celebrity.

The laptop with higher RAM performs better.

The shoes from the luxury brand are on sale.

The songs from the 80s are nostalgic.

The phone with a larger battery lasts longer.

The park with a lake is peaceful.

The shirt with stripes is in fashion.

The movie by that director won many awards.

The house with the blue door is haunted.

The cake with cherry toppings is sweet.

I bought the plant with fragrant flowers.

The bag from the top shelf is expensive.

The boy with a guitar is a musician.

The museum with ancient artifacts is renowned.

The pizza with extra cheese is popular.

The novel about vampires is a bestseller.

The island with white sandy beaches is a tourist attraction.

The shop on the corner street sells vintage items.

The dish with spicy seasoning was flavorful.

The city with historic monuments attracts tourists.

The garden with colorful butterflies is beautiful.

The necklace with a diamond pendant is exquisite.

The teacher with a PhD is knowledgeable.

The hotel near the airport is convenient.

The bird with bright feathers is exotic.

The coffee from Colombia is strong.

The show by the popular network is trending.

The stadium with larger capacity hosted the finals.

The festival during the summer was fun.

The bicycle with gear system is advanced.

The workshop for beginners was informative.

The forest with dense trees is mysterious.

The cafe by the riverside offers a scenic view.

The story about aliens was intriguing.

The valley with snow-capped peaks is picturesque.

The game for kids is educational.

The meal with vegan ingredients was wholesome.

The castle atop the hill is ancient.

The jacket made of leather is stylish.

The song from the latest album is catchy.

The park with a playground is children’s favorite.

The sculpture of the dancing lady is mesmerizing.

The town near the coastline has a maritime climate.

The dish without any spices is bland.

The festival during winter is a cultural highlight.

The hotel with a swimming pool is in high demand.

The forest full of wildlife is a biodiversity hotspot.

The artist with a unique style held an exhibition.

The team from the southern region won the championship.

The river with crystal-clear water is pristine.

The book about time travel is a page-turner.

The school beside the lake has a tranquil setting.

The bakery with gluten-free options is health-conscious.

The mountain with treacherous trails is a challenge for trekkers.

The shop selling antiques has rare collections.

The movie set in the 1920s is a period drama.

The street lined with maple trees turns golden in autumn.

The car with a sunroof is a premium model.

The bridge over the wide river is an architectural marvel.

The instrument from the classical era is precious.

The painting depicting a sunset is evocative.

The pastry filled with cream is delectable.

The island without any inhabitants is remote.

The building with green architecture is eco-friendly.

The course for advanced learners is intensive.

The bird with a melodious call is sought by birdwatchers.

The market during the festive season is bustling.

The dessert topped with nuts is crunchy.

The region known for its wines is a must-visit for connoisseurs.

The shoes with cushioned soles offer comfort.

The beach with golden sands is serene.

The seminar for entrepreneurs was enlightening.

The journey through dense forests was adventurous.

The computer with high processing speed is efficient.

The concert featuring international artists was grand.

The village with traditional huts preserves its heritage.

The theme park with thrilling rides attracts many visitors.

The tea with aromatic herbs is refreshing.

The bookshelf made of oak wood is sturdy.

The camera with a high-resolution lens captures sharp images.

The gallery showcasing abstract art is avant-garde.

The tree with fragrant blossoms is a spring delight.

The phone with a long battery life is reliable.

The cafe offering organic brews is health-centric.

The game with virtual reality offers immersive experience.

The fabric dyed in natural colors is eco-conscious.

The dog(s) covered(v) me(obj) with mud. (Tense)
[The dog covered in mud](s) played(v) with me(obj). (Adj)

Surprise + ed
Amazed
1. Past tense: She(s) surprised(v) me with a gift.
2. adjective: [The surprised dog] (s) ran(v) away.
3. Adjective 作为主语补语:
Subj – linking verb – subj compl (noun/adj):
I(s) am (linking verb “is”) happy (主语补语 adj).
I(s) am (linking verb “is”) surprised (主语补语 adj).

Amaze/amazed
fascinate/fascinated
surprise(v)/surprised
interest(v)/interested
encourage(v)/encouraged

framework: subj + has/have/contains + object

Adjective Phrase is a phrase that acts as an adjective by describing the noun.

To describe a noun

She has [extremely evil] eyes.

Adj phrase = extremely evil
adj = evil
Noun = eyes

She has [very expensive] shoes.
She has extremely expensive shoes.

Adjective phrase = very expensive
adj = expensive
Noun = shoes

Using linking verb

Am/is/are/look/become/smell/taste/feel/sound

The flowers in the vase are vibrant and colorful.

Linking Verb: are
Subject: The flowers in the vase
Adjective Phrase (Subject Complement): vibrant and colorful
The cake she baked smells absolutely delicious.

Linking Verb: smells
Subject: The cake she baked
Adjective Phrase (Subject Complement): absolutely delicious
He seems happy with the results.

Linking Verb: seems
Subject: He
Adjective Phrase (Subject Complement): happy with the results
The weather today feels unusually cold for this time of year.

Linking Verb: feels
Subject: The weather today
Adjective Phrase (Subject Complement): unusually cold for this time of year
The view from the mountaintop was simply breathtaking.

Linking Verb: was
Subject: The view from the mountaintop
Adjective Phrase (Subject Complement): simply breathtaking

Comparative Adjectives

We experienced the decade’s [stronger] storms.

superlative adjective

They saw only the [brightest] stars.

Adjective Phrases that contains adverbs

It was a move.
It was a sensational move.
It was a [spectacularly] sensational move.

His hair surprised his parents.
His hair, [shockingly pink], surprised his parents.

Adjective Phrases can incorporate prepositions

ref – https://www.examples.com/english/adjective/adjective-prepositional-phrase.html

Begins with a preposition and functions as an adjective.

My uncle dated the girl with the tattoos.
(The phrase “with the tattoos” is a multi-word adjective describing “The girl,”
but it’s not headed by an adjective.

Headed by the preposition “with,” this is a prepositional phrase. It is best classified as an “adjectival prepositional phrase” as opposed to an “adjective phrase.”)

My grandmother makes the best food.
My grandmother [from Hangzhou] makes the best food.

My dog ate everything.
My dog, [like a pig], ate everything.

That man asked to see you.
That man [in the hat] asked to see you. (adjective phrase in the hat modifies man)

You can admit anyone.
You can admit anyone [with a ticket]. (with a ticket modifies anyone)

The schedule is posted on the board.
The schedule [for next week] is posted on the board. (for next week modifies schedule)

He is angry.
He is angry [about his pay decrease]. (about his pay decrease modifies he)

The design is similar to my bathroom wallpaper.
The design [on your shirt] is similar to my bathroom wallpaper. (on your shirt modifies design)

Taylor wants to stop at the restaurant.
Taylor wants to stop at the restaurant [by the mall]. (by the mall modifies restaurant)

snowy (adj) – covered with or full of snow.

• The snowy mountains(s) look(v) beautiful(sc).
• The snowy weather(s) greets(v) (欢迎) us(obj) in December.
• The train(s) rumbles(v) (隆隆 long long 声 shen) against(prep) the snowy backdrop (prep obj).

snow (n) – soft, white flakes of ice that fall from the sky to the earth.

• I(s) throw(v) [a snowball](obj).
• [Hei Long Jiang’s soft winter snow](s) covers(v) the city(obj).
• The snow(s) falls(f) upon(prep) [the muddy road] (prep obj).

provide (v) – to give what is needed; supply.To make available. 提供

• My mother (s) provides (v 提供) food and love (obj).
• The rainforest(s) provides (v 提供) food (obj) [for many species] (‘for’ prep phrase as object compl).
• The computer(s) provides (v 提供) important data (obj).

like (v) – 喜欢

• I(s) like(v) [to exercise](infinitive as obj).
• Gorillas(s) like(v) bananas(obj).
• [Every student](s) likes(v) [to be] (infinitive phrase) recognized (obj compl).

like (preposition) – 像

• I(s) eat(v) like(prep) a pig(prep obj).
• They(s) are(v) like(prep) brothers(prep obj).
• I(s) love(v) books(direct object) [like 1984 and Animal Farm] (prepositional phrase as object complement).

verb

My name is Andy.

I am a fisherman.

My old eyes glance at the morning sun.

I row my small boat.

The colorful fishes swim in the deep blue sea.

They look beautiful.

I feel the gentle breeze.

It combs my white hair.

The boat returns to the beach.

My toes dig into the soft sand.

I carry the bag of colorful fishes.

They glisten under the afternoon sun.

ref –

• https://linguaholic.com/linguablog/comma-usage-fanboys/
• https://eslgrammar.org/coordinating-conjunction-fanboys/

1 subj – action verb
2 subj – transitive verb – direct object
3 subj – intransitive verb – preposition – preposition object
4 subj + [is/am/are] + subject complement
5 subj + sense [look/see/taste/smell/hear/feel/become] + subject complement
6 subj + emotion verb [prefer/want/love/like/hope] + to verb (infinitive as object)
7 subj – am/is/are/was/were/have/has/get/find/found/buy/borrow/rent] + (object) + [to verb]
8 subj + [have/has] + past participle

Story 1

A turtle lives in a forest.
His name is Ted.

A turtle lives in a forest, [and] his name is Ted.

Ted is a great swimmer.
He loves to swim in the pond.

Ted is a great swimmer, [so] he loves to swim in the lake.

His head is small and round, [and] a heavy shell sits on his back.
He moves slow, [but] he thinks fast.
He is [intelligent but naive].
His friend the rabbit dislikes him, [for] they always argue.

When not to put commas

Correct: It looks strange but cool.
Correct: It looks strange, but it is cool.

Also, we should not place a comma after “and” if it only joins two words or phrases in a sentence.

Although we may tend to pause out of hesitation when speaking the following sentences, we should not imitate the pause in writing.

Correct: Dylan is talented and handsome.

Here are some examples of how to use coordinating conjunctions:

Joining two independent clauses:
A coordinating conjunction can join two independent clauses (simple sentences) to make a compound sentence. Comma is added in front of the and.

For example, “I am hungry, [and] I do not have any food.”

In this sentence, the coordinating conjunction “and” joins the two independent clauses “I am hungry” and “I do not have any food.”

Joining two words or phrases: A coordinating conjunction can also join two words or phrases of equal importance.

For example, “I want to buy a car or a motorcycle.” In this sentence, the coordinating conjunction “or” joins the two phrases “buy a car” and “buy a motorcycle.”

No comma is needed.

Joining two adjectives:
A coordinating conjunction can join two adjectives that describe the same noun. For example, “The cake is delicious and moist.” In this sentence, the coordinating conjunction “and” joins the two adjectives “delicious” and “moist.”

No comma is needed.

Joining two verbs: A coordinating conjunction can join two verbs that have the same subject. For example, “I like to swim and bike.” In this sentence, the coordinating conjunction “and” joins the two verbs “swim” and “bike.”

No comma is needed.

Story 2

My name is Ricky.
I attend Basis International.
My name is Ricky, [and] I attend Basis International.

It is a good school
It is too competitive.
It is a good school, [but] it is too competitive.

We learn at [two grades above] standard level.
We try to catch up.
We(subj) learn(v) at [a level two grades above the standard], [so] we feel helpless.

I love (my family and friends).
They are my support system.

I love my family and friends [for] they are my support system.

If independent clause is before our ‘for’, and has a negative verb, we need a comma.
I couldn’t join any sports classes, [for] I have no time.

(Neither) [my friends] (nor) [I] have any energy left after school.

We can (either) [continue to work hard] (or) [transfer to a different school].

He said this, yet he did that.
Avoid commas if “yet” is an adverb modifying adjective/verb within sentence.

• She looks beautiful yet unremarkable.
• We escaped yet went nowhere.

We enjoy the school’s prestige, yet we can’t keep up.
Our struggle(s) continues (v) [yet] there is no escape.
Its beautiful(adj) [yet] so very tragic.