Typically, an adverb or prepositional phrase modifies an intransitive verb or the verb ends the sentence.
To determine whether a verb is intransitive ask whether the action is done in some way, in some direction or to some degree. Does a noun receive the action of the verb? If it does, then the verb is transitive and the person or thing that receives its action is the direct object.
[In the following examples, the intransitive verb is bold and the modifier is underlined.]
The man decided against a plea bargain.
- The subject (the man) did something (decided) a particular way (against).
He refused because of his immaturity, not his lack of contrition.
- The subject (He) did something (refused) for a particular reason (because of his immaturity).
Alice complained bitterly.
- The subject (Alice) did something (complained) to a particular degree (bitterly).
At the end of the Roaring ’20s, the incarceration index rose slightly.
- The subject (the index) did something (rose) in a particular direction (slightly).
When faced with the problem, the scholar paused.
- The subject (scholar) did something (paused) at a particular time (when faced with the problem).
Earl fell.
- The subject (Earl) did something (fell) and the action did not transfer to someone or something.
The adverb or prepositional phrase answers a question about the verb:
The subject did something WHERE?
o If Charlie had run into the street, he could have been injured.
o The turtle may live in a small area of Arizona.
o In 1973, the incarceration number inched upward.
o Jordan drove into the lane.
The subject did something WHEN?
o Thousands of cranes will return in the spring.
o The number climbed in 1974 and in 1975.
o Walter Payton died near the end of the century.
o The company’s leader collapsed during a meeting.
The subject did something HOW or TO WHAT DEGREE?
o The statistics come in any form you like.
o Politicians and the public are complaining loudly.
o His blood pressure kept climbing steadily.
o She worked with care and precision.
The subject did something WHY?
o Our elected officials listen because we vote.
o Shoshana’s grades improved with the help of a tutor.
o Germany’s expedition leader collapsed from the effort.
o Elise competed for her family.