ADVERB PLACEMENT

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.

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.

middle of sentence

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.

after BE verb

after auxiliary verbs

before other verbs

adverbs of frequency: never, rarely, sometimes, often. usually, always, ever

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

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.