Positions of adverbs
Adverbs can be used in three positions in a sentence or clause:
- front (perhaps they’ll arrive this evening)
- mid (she hardly knew him)
- end (I left the bedroom and ran downstairs)
Different types of adverbs go in different positions. Here are some general guidelines:
Front position
The main types of adverbs that can be used in this position are those that:
- begin a sentence or clause that’s linked in meaning to another:
People tend to put on weight in middle age. However, gaining weight is not inevitable.
I’ll begin with an overview of the product. Secondly, I’ll talk about projected sales.
- refer to time or frequency:
Afterwards, we went out for a walk.
Sometimes she wonders what life’s all about.
- refer to place:
There goes my bus!
Up he ran, soon disappearing from view.
- comment on the rest of the sentence or clause (sentence adverbs):
Luckily, our meal lived up to expectation.
Clearly, more research is needed.
Mid position
This term refers to adverbs that can be used in the middle of a sentence or clause. The main kinds of adverbs found in this position are those that:
- refer to frequency:
We always meet for coffee on Saturday.
She’s never been to Sweden.
- refer to manner:
He carefully avoided my eye.
I slowly walked into town.
- make the meaning of a verb, adjective, or other adverb stronger or weaker:
She nearly fell asleep at her desk.
These ideas are very complicated.
- comment on the rest of the sentence or clause:
When we first heard this story, frankly, we couldn’t believe it.
- focus on part of a sentence or clause:
I’m only going to stay in New York for a week.
Tina can’t just drop all her commitments.
End position
The main types of adverbs which can be used at the end of a sentence of clause are those that:
- refer to manner:
It's an interesting plot twist, and one that works well.
For some reason, his career progressed slowly.
- refer to time or frequency:
The troops flew home yesterday.
They’re sending hundreds of texts to each other monthly.
- refer to place:
They’re sitting at the table over there.
There was a sudden burst of laughter from the people who could see outside.
Position of adverbs and verbs
Adverbs are often found between the subject and its verb:
We always meet for lunch at 1 p.m.
I completely forgot his name.
They can also come between an auxiliary verb (such as be or have) and a main verb:
The concert was suddenly cancelled.
He had quickly eaten his dinner.
Back to Adverbs.
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