Peculiar adverbial phrases are:—
- to and fro,
- now and then,
- up and down,
- again and again,
- first and last,
- full speed,
- full tilt,
- hit or miss,
- more or less,
- head first,
- upside down,
- inside out,
- sink or swim,
- cash down.
476. An adverbial clause that modifies a verb may be introduced by (1) a relative adverb, or (2) a subordinate conjunction.
I. Relative Adverbs
- Our colonel was always found where the fighting was fiercest.
- When I give the signal, press the button.
- Whenever I call, you refuse to see me.
- Miller arrived after the play had begun.
- Everybody listened while the vagrant told his story.
- My uncle laughed until the tears came.
- The prisoner has not been seen since he made his escape.
II. Subordinate Conjunctions
- Archer resigned because his health failed.
- I will give the address if you will let me choose my subject.
- Brandon insisted on walking, although the roads were dangerous.
- The child ran with all her might lest she should be too late.
- I gave you a front seat in order that you might hear.
- The town lies at the base of a lofty cliff so that it is sheltered from the north wind.
II. INFINITIVE
477. The simple predicate may be modified by an infinitive ([§ 323]).