This article analyzes the functioning of the so-called adverbial verbs (otherwise named verbs of manner). Their distinctive feature is that they express not only an action or process, but also the manner in which it is carried out. The English language is rich in such resources, and the researcher’s task is to study the functional (pragmasemantic) properties of adverbial verbs and analyze their role in building up a compact yet capacious semantic space of English business discourse.

Methods of functional-semantic, pragmatic analyses, and classification are relevant for the purpose of disclosing the semantics and functional properties of the said verbs.

The study is conducted within the framework of English business discourse. The characteristics of adverbial verbs are considered in the context of linguistic economy, functional synergy, and the diversity of adverbial verb types based on semantic criteria.

The authors conclude that English adverbial verbs belong to a category of linguistic devices that allow for the expression of fairly extensive content in relatively concise forms. This characteristic is based on the verbs’ ability to actualize the functional synergy, that is, to generate semantic increments that arise through contextual interaction with other elements of the semantic system and exceed the simple sum of their semantic components. Since business people always strive for saving time and money, mastering this category of linguistic devices is entirely appropriate for their purposes.

Using English business discourse as a basis, this article suggests a classification of adverbial verbs based on semantic criteria. The following groups of verbs are identified:

a) verbs of spatial movement;

b) causative verbs;

c) verbs characterizing speech;

d) verbs expressing direct impact on an object.

In conclusion, prospects for further development of this topic are outlined, such as the study of contextually generated adverbial properties in verbs not originally classified as adverbial, as well as the development of practical aspects of using these tools to enhance the communicative competence of future business representatives.