2. Prepositional phrases.—These denote, for the most part, what the modal adverbs denote. Usually they may be changed to adverbs that are nearly or quite equivalent in meaning; for example, “on the other hand” = however; “at all events” = anyhow; “of course” = certainly.
It may seem best to some persons to say of these phrases, as likewise of the adverbs, that they modify the predicate instead of the whole sentence. There can be no objection to this, as the predicate is the asserting part of the sentence.
Examples of these phrases are found in the following sentences:
(a) “For the most part, young people have a pretty keen sense of honor, so that the main thing is to keep it fresh and active.”—Munger.
(b) “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go.”—Stevenson.
(c) “For the life of me, I cannot understand it.”—Stevenson.
3. Phrases or clauses introduced by as; for example,—
(a) “As luck would have it, there was a fair spring morning shining over the city.”—Black. This clause means luckily, and tells the author’s opinion of the statement he makes.
(b) “As a rule, we disbelieve all facts and theories for which we have no use.”—Wm. James. This phrase means generally, and denotes the extent to which the statement is true.
(c) “As sure as my name is Jack Copley, I saw the prettiest girl in the world today.”—Mrs. Wiggin. This clause means truly, verily, and is used to make the statement emphatic.