Both an object and adverbial

The clause is not an adverbial, though it is tempting to call it that, especially since it seems to tell "how," which adverbs normally do. If you take it as an adverb, what verb, adjective, or adverb is it modifying? It isn't. So, it isn't adverbial.

A clause can be used as a noun, and so, the clause can be a direct object.

Anonymousboth as a direct object and an adverbial?

No. A direct object and a (reduced) indirect question.

The direct question is "How should she do it?"
The indirect question is "how she should do it".
The reduced form uses an infinitive, eliminating an explicit subject. "how to do it"

CJ

Thank you, EM and CJ, for the replies.

CalifJimNo. A direct object and a (reduced) indirect question.

I've just given it the second thought and wonder whether "a (reduced) indirect question" is a function label. In my opinion it is a form label describing a clause (I consider both direct and indirect question as clauses), i.e. a form lower in rank than a sentence and higher than a phrase.

AnonymousSo the question is: can "how to do it" function as a direct object and an adverbial at the same time?

No. The reduced clause has a nominal (noun) function. It is not adverbial.

The word "how" can be adverbial. But in the sentence, She asked him how to do it., how is a conjunction

AnonymousSo the question is: can "how to do it" function as a direct object and an adverbial at the same time?

No. An adverbial would describe the manner in which she asked (She asked him politely). how to do it can't possibly work like politely does in the given sentence. how is only adverbial within its own clause (She asked

CalifJimhow is only adverbial within its own clause

I see. Thank you for the reply.