What are adverbial phrases

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Adverbial Phrases
An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. We can form adverbs by taking adjectives and adding the suffix “-ly” (e.g. “happily”, “readily”,“ beautifully” etc.) Other common single word adverbs include “very”, “too”, “well”, “now”, “then”, “here”, “there” etc.
A phrase can be either a prepositional phrase (preposition + noun-object) or a participial phrase (participle form of a verb, with a possible direct object and/or adverb). If it modifies a verb, an adjective, or adverb, then it’s an adverbial phrase.

Examples of Adverbial Phrases:
1) He drives like a maniac.
The prepositional phrase “like a maniac” is an adverbial phrase. It modifies the verb “drives” —it describes how he drives.
2) He walks dragging his left foot.
The participial phrase “dragging his left foot” is an adverbial phrase. It modifies the verb “walks” —it describes how he walks.
3) He is scornful with no mercy.
The prepositional phrase “with no mercy” is an adverbial phrase. It modifies the adjective “scornful” — it describes how scornful.