Position of adverbs in English

This chapter will discuss the positions of the different adverbs in English. These positions change depending on the type of adverb and how it is used in the sentence. 

Adverbs of manner

The adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed.

The position of this adverb is:

1. After the main verb and at the end of the sentence. 
2. When the adverb is before the verb it is to emphasize the action.
3. The adverb cannot be placed between the verb and the object (to whom the action is directed.)

Have a question?

Take online language lessons with a professional teacher

1. Native & verified teachers
2. Free trial lesson
3. Learning materials included

Ma.Teresa G.

Ulises D.

Pia Chudney M.

Marina N.

Jorge A.

Stacey L.

Merve A.

Vanessa M.

Jani V.

Rocío S.

Sign up for free

Examples:

• She drives well.
• He runs quickly.
• I entered the classroom quietly.

Adverbs of place

The adverbs of place tell us where the action takes place. 

The position of this adverb is:

1. After the main verb or at the end of the sentence.
2. The adverb of place follows the adverb of manner when this adverb is also in the sentence.
3. 'There' and 'here' can be in front of the sentence to give more emphasis. 

Examples:

• She lives above the supermarket.
• They live near the beach.
• I had dinner outside today.

Adverbs of time

The adverbs of time tell us when an action takes place, the period of time and frequency.

The position of this adverb is:

1. At the end of the sentence, even when there are other adverbs in the sentence.
2. When emphasizing the time, the adverb should be at the beginning of the sentence. 

Examples:

• I will go to the library tomorrow.
• She will arrive soon.
• They will buy groceries in the afternoon.

Adverbs of quantity

The adverbs of quantity indicate the quantity of the action, how much there is of something. 

The position of this adverb is:

1. After the main verb.
2. Before the adjectives and adverbs. 

Examples:

• She has cooked enough for everyone. 
• The exam was pretty difficult.
• They are very late. 

Adverbs of frequency

The adverbs of frequency indicate how often an action takes place.

The position of this adverb is:

1. Before the main verb, but after the verb 'to be'.
2. When it is one of the frequency expressions, they should be placed at the end of the sentence.
3. Between the auxiliary verb and other verbs. 

Examples:

• They always go to Paris in February.
• I take Spanish classes twice a week.
• I have never been to Asia.

Adverbs of degree

The adverbs of degree give information about the intensity or degree of an action, adjective or another adverb. 

The position of this adverb is:

1. Before the adjective.
2. Before the other adverbs.
3. Before the main verb, but after the verb 'to be'.
4. Between the auxiliary verbs and other verbs.

Examples:

• It was extremely hot.
• She mainly drinks tea. 
• They will at least work out once a week.

Adverbs of probability and certainty

Adverbs of probability and certainty tell us the degree of certainty regarding an action or event. 

The position of this adverb is:

1. Before the main verb.
2. After the verb 'to be'. 
3. Between the auxiliary verbs and other verbs.
4. At the beginning of a prayer. 

Examples:

• They will obviously go to school.
• She really hopes she can join us.
• Maybe they can help me later.

Adverbs of opinion and observation

The adverbs of opinion and observation give information about an opinion about an action or an observation of an action. 

The position of this adverb is:

1. Adverbs of opinion are usually placed at the beginning of the sentence. Separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma. 
2. Adverbs of observation are usually placed before the main verb, but after the verb 'to be'. 

Examples:

• Actually, I still wanted to use that piece of paper. 
• Personally, I would not wear that.
• She is practically never home. 

Train your skills by doing the exercises!