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.