状语(adverbial)是句子的重要修饰成分。状语是谓语里的另一个附加成分，它附加在谓语中心语的前面，从情况、时间、处所、方式、条件、对象、肯定、否定、范围和程度等方面对谓语中心进行修饰或限制。
如：At night, I don't go out very often., 此句中at night, very often都是状语
介宾短语作状语是填空题的重要考点，若空格处或空格所在部分之后是完整的主谓句，且两部分之间多以逗号隔开，若选项中无从句结构或分词，此时空格处需填入介宾短语作状语。
例题：
(1)
----irritating effect on humans, the use of phenol as a general antiseptic has been largely discontinued.
(A) Its
(B) Where its
(C) Since its
(D) Because of its
答案：D
解释：此句主干完整, 主语是the use of phenol as a general antiseptic, 谓语是has been largely discontinued, 逗号之前应是状语. A构成名词短语, 与该句主语发生冲突; B、C欲构成从句, 但缺少从句的谓语动词; D恰好构成表示原因的状语, 短语because of 之后常接名词或动名词表原因, 如: He failed the exam because of his carelessness.
(2)
----a child, sculptor Anne Whitney showed an eager intellect and artistic talent that her parents recognized and encouraged.
(A) Has been
(B) It was while
(C) She was
(D) As
答案：D
解释：此句主干完整, 主语是sculptor, 谓语动词是showed, 之后是带有定语从句的宾语, 需填入状语. A、B、C 中的has been、was与showed相冲突, 违背谓语唯一原则. 介词词组As a child 相当于When she was a child.
(3)
.----, snakes frequently subdue their prey without injecting poison.
(A) Contrary to general belief
(B) General belief contrary to
(C) Belief contrary to general
(D) Contrary belief general to
答案：A
解释：给出部分是完整的句子, 从选项中可见此处缺少状语, be contrary to是固定词组, 表示“与……相反, 介词to后需接宾语, 只有A符合上述条件