Fronted adverbials
Adverbial phrases and adverbs (single words) add detail to a sentence about
when, where, how or why things happen. If the adverbial comes at the
beginning of a sentence, it is called a fronted adverbial and should be followed
by a comma.
For example:
Every now and again, Bob would go for a long bike ride.
Many years ago, in a far distant land, there stood a magnificent castle. (There
are two fronted adverbials in this sentence.)
Carefully, Josie peeled back the sticker to reveal the number.
Task A
Underline the adverbials in each of these sentences and insert the missing
commas.
Frantically he searched the beach beneath the cliffs.
On the stroke of half time United scored in front of their excited fans.
With the help of our keen volunteers we plan to create a wildlife garden.
Inside the restaurant on the back wall are pictures of famous customers.
Across the country from town to town the news spread like wildfire.
With a pencil make a mark in the middle of the paper.
Task B
Add at least one adverbial to the start of each sentence, marking them off
with a comma.
______________________________________________________ we heard a
cry.
______________________________________________________ Anna
followed the man with the tall hat.
______________________________________________________ there lived a
wise woman.
_____________________________________________________ the old car
rattled down the road.