Position of Adverbs | Class 8 English Grammar

Adverbs are words used to modify verbs and adjectives. Adverbs can also modify adverbs. Most adverbs end in -ly. Examples are: pleasantly, kindly, stupidly, eagerly etc. Generally speaking all place words and time words are also adverbs.

Position of adverbs

We do not put adverbs between a verb and its object.

  • I often have meetings. (NOT I have often meetings.)
  • She speaks English well. (NOT She speaks well English.)
  • He played his part well. (NOT He played well his part.)
  • She held the bag tightly. (NOT She held tightly the bag.)
  • I bought a car yesterday.
  • I visited them last week.

Adverbs of manner (e.g. clearly, bravely, carefully, kindly, well etc.) usually go at the end of a clause.

  • She sang well.
  • The girl cried bitterly.
  • He drove carefully.
  • The soldiers fought bravely.
  • He worked diligently.
  • She sang beautifully.
  • She solved the puzzle easily.

Frequency adverbs (e.g. often, never, always, sometimes, seldom, rarely, hardly ever, frequently etc.) usually go between the auxiliary verb and the main verb.

  • I have always wanted to buy a car.
  • She has never invited me to her home.
  • You have never thanked me for anything.
  • I had hardly sat down to rest.
  • I have often wanted to escape.

If there is no auxiliary verb, the frequency adverb usually goes before the main verb.

  • I often watch English films.
  • She sometimes buys foreign periodicals.

If the verb is a form of be, the frequency adverb goes after it.

  • I am seldom late for work.
  • She is always ready to help.
  • He is never angry.
  • He is often late for work.
  • It never occurred to me that she was lying.

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