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.