2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 13
Available Online: 25 May 2026
Author/s:
Guañizo, Donna B.*
Juban National High School, Philippines (donna.guanizo001@deped.gov.ph)
Fortes, Ana Cristina G.
Sorsogon State University, Philippines (fortes.ana@sorsu.edu.ph)
Abstract:
This study used a descriptive qualitative design to analyze adverbial phrases in the academic writing of Senior High School students from the STEM and HUMSS strands. It (1) described the syntactic structures and functions of adverbial phrases, (2) evaluated their deviations from English structure conventions, and (3) proposed Learning Activity Sheets. Data were gathered from forty (40) students during the academic year 2025-2026, using reflection papers as the main source of data. Results revealed that students primarily used simple, non-complex, and structurally basic adverbial forms, prepositional phrases, and single-word adverbs denoting time, location, and manner. While this made their writing clear, it didn’t show much structural complexity or layering. Functionally, adverbials were mostly used to organize ideas chronologically, whereas causal and conditional forms emerged less often. The analysis also revealed variations in structure, position, and meaning, such as nonstandard forms, misplaced modifiers, or vague expressions, indicating that students are in a transitional phase of syntactic development. Based on the findings, the study proposes the development of Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) to enhance syntactic complexity, refine modifier placement, and strengthen academic register or tone in academic writing.
Keywords: academic writing, adverbial phrases, syntactic analysis, syntactic structure
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26220
Cite this article:
Guañizo, D. B., & Fortes, A. C. G. (2026). Syntactic analysis of adverbial phrases in the academic writing of SHS students. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(13), 145-154. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26220
* Corresponding Author