Position of adverbs
Position of adverbs
Unfortunately, we're going to be late.
He can speak German fluently.
She liked the present a lot.
Mark came home very late last night.
The ambulance arrived at the scene of the accident after a few minutes.
A young man was badly hurt and was taken to hospital.
I was incredibly tired last night.
She's a bit lazy about doing her homework.
I almost forgot your birthday, but fortunately my sister reminded me.
Luckly, we had taken an umbrella, because it started to rain straight away.
Mary doesn't always eat healthily - she often has snacks between meals.
Apparently, John has been sacked.
I’m seriously considering resigning from my job.
Their house was badly damaged in the fire last week. (badly, last week)
Ben is often at his friend’s house in the evening. (often, in the evening)
My father usually has a nap in the afternoon. (usually, in the afternoon)
Julia left early and she didn’t even say goodbye. (early even)
Martin always eats incredibly quickly. (always, incredibly)
Apparently, his brother nearly died in a skiing accident. (apparently)
We're probably going to the cinema tonight. (probably, tonight)
I rarely send emails nowadays. (rarely, nowadays)
I’ve just bought a really beautiful new coat. (just, really)
Eventually, Karen realized that she was never going to learn to drive. (eventually, never)
Adverbs can describe an action or modify adjectives or other adverbs.
He walks slowly.
It's incredibly expensive.
He works very hard.
They can either be one word or phrase.
Describe how somebody does something.
They usually go after the verb or verb phrase, however, with passive verbs they usually go in mid-position (before the main verb but after an auxiliary verb).
He walks very slowly.
I speak five languages fluently.
The driver was seriously injured in the accident.
Go before the main verb but after the verb to be.
Sometimes, usually, and normally can also be put at the beginning of the phrase or sentence for emphasis, e.g.
Sometimes the weather can be very wet, but not today.
If there are two auxiliary verbs, the adverb goes after the first one.
I hardly ever have time for breakfast.
Liam's always late for work.
I would never have thought you were 40.
Normally go at the end of a sentence or clause.
Place adverbs normally go before time adverbs.
NOT
My parents will be in half an hour here.
Adverbs of time can also go at the beginning for emphasis, e.g.
Soon it will be Christmas!
OR
It will be Christmas soon!
It rained all day yesterday.
My parents'll be here in half an hour.
Describe how much something is done, or modify an adjective.
Nearly an almost are used before a verb or verb phrase.
Extremely, incredibly, very, etc. are used with adjectives and adverbs, and go before them.
A lot and much are often used with verbs and go after the verb or verb phrase.
A little / a bit (of) can be used with adjectives or verbs, e.g.
I'm a bit / a little tired.
We rested a bit / a little after the flight.
I've nearly finished.
We're incredibly tired.
My husband works a lot, but he doesn't earn much.
Coment adverbs (which give the speaker's opnion) usually go mat the beginning of a sentence or clause.
Other common comment adverbs are:
luckly
basically
clearly
obviously
apparently
eventually
etc.
Most other adverbs go in mid-position, e.g.
I just need ten more minutes.
I didn't speak to Jo at the party - I didn't even see her.
She'll probably come in the end.