在一般情况下，副词主要用于修饰动词，或形容词，或副词，但副词可以修饰介词短语吗？譬如下面这道题，它来自2008年高考考试英语的安徽卷：
Fred entered without knocking and, very out of breath, sank ___C___ a chair.
A. onB. offC. intoD. to
句中的very 仿佛就是修饰介词短语out of breath啊！
请问，这种修饰有哪些特征和规律？
假如语义需要的话，副词（主如果程度副词）可以用于修饰介词短语。如以下各例均摘自不同原版词典：
He is very like his mother. 他非常像他妈妈。
This company is badly in need of new blood. 这个公司亟需新人。
He was deep in conversation with his accountant. 他与会计深入交谈。
Much to my surprise the door was unlocked. 使我大为吃惊的是，门没锁。
Greatly to my regret, I cannot attend the party. 非常可惜的是，我没办法参加聚会。
I was talking with Tom and he said he was all for it. 我和汤姆谈来着，他说他完全赞成。
These boys have got quite out of hand. 这类男生已完全不受管束了。
Boys are very much in the minority at the dance class. 舞蹈班上男生占极少数。
She’s well above average in intelligence. 她的聪明才智远在普通人之上。
