ADVERB PLACEMENT
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beginning of clause/sentence |
usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes and occasionally NOT: always, ever, rarely, seldom and never* |
Usually we see him at church.Last night we went dancing. |
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end of the clause/sentence |
usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes and occasionally NOT: always, ever, rarely, seldom and never*
adverbs of time: today, every week, finally, already, soon
adverbs of manner (how something is done): slowly, suddenly, badly, quietly |
We’ve performed there occasionally. Where did you eat yesterday? All the bedrooms are upstairs. Have you taken the TOEFL yet? Have you eaten dinner already?
She sang that aria very well. He drives competently. |
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middle of sentence |
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after BE verb
after auxiliary verb before other verbs |
adverbs of certainty: certainly, definitely, clearly, obviously, probably |
They are definitely suited for each other. They’ll probably arrive late. He has apparently passed the class. They obviously forgot to read the directions. |
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after BE verb after auxiliary verbs before other verbs |
adverbs of frequency: never, rarely, sometimes, often. usually, always, ever
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He is rarely morose. We have never eaten Moroccan food. He always takes flowers to his girlfriend. She quite often invites people for Thanksgiving. They almost never go to the theater. |
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after BE verb after auxiliary verbs before other verbs |
focusing adverbs: even, only, also, mainly, just
adverbs of time: already, still, yet, finally, eventually, soon, last, just |
He is only five years old. We don’t even know his name. We’ve already eaten dinner. He also rents chainsaws. I am finally ready. He is still planning to go tonight. We just finished painting the house. |
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after BE verb after auxiliary verbs before other verbs |
adverbs of manner (how something is done): slowly, suddenly, badly, quietly |
She is slowly finishing her PhD. He has carefully gathered the evidence. We methodically checked all the bags. |
* always and never can begin imperative sentences. Never argue with the referee. Always wear your seatbelt.