Adverb position 1
Callum and Catherine, with Finn’s help, talk about the three positions where adverbs usually go when used with verbs. They also explain where to put adverbs when used with modals, questions and negatives.
Callum
Hello and welcome to 6 Minute Grammar with me, Callum.
Catherine
And me, Catherine. Hello.
Callum
In this programme we’re talking about adverbs and where they should go. Catherine, remind us what adverbs are.
Catherine
Certainly Callum. Adverbs are words or phrases that we use to give more information about verbs, adjectives or other adverbs. We use them to express how someone does something or how something happens.
Callum
In today’s programme we’re going to focus on how they are used with verbs. Listen out for the adverbs usually, really, hardly and ever. Here’s Finn.
Finn
I usually drive to work. I usually drive to work.
I don’t really like cheese. I don’t really like cheese.
I can hardly believe what happened at the concert. I can hardly believe what happened at the concert.
Have you ever been to Scotland? Have you ever been to Scotland?
Callum
Now, let’s look more closely at where to put the adverb.
Catherine
Adverbs can usually be placed in one of three positions.
Callum
The first position is at the very beginning of the sentence, before the subject.
Finn
Usually I drive to work.
Catherine
The second position is before the main verb.
Finn
I usually drive to work.
Callum
And the third position is after the direct object or complement of the verb.
Finn
I drive to work usually.
IDENT
You’re listening to BBC Learning English.
Callum
Today we’re talking about where to put adverbs when we are using them to give more information about verbs.
Catherine
We’ve seen that there are three positions where adverbs typically go.
Callum
So is it the case that you can put any adverb in any of these positions?
Catherine
Callum, if it was that simple, it would be fantastic. Many adverbs can indeed go in any of these positions, depending on style and context.
Callum
I feel there is a ‘but’ coming.
Catherine
But…
Callum
Ah, there it is…
Catherine
But that’s not always the case. Some adverbs can’t go in certain places and some are more common in particular positions than others.
Callum
And we also have to consider modals and other auxiliaries, questions and negatives.
Catherine
We do. So let’s start with the verb to be. When the verb to be is the main verb of a sentence, we usually put adverbs immediately after the verb.
Finn
He’s always on time.
I was never happy at school.
Callum
When there is more than one part to the verb, where does the adverb go?
Catherine
If there is an auxiliary such as have or has in the present perfect or a modal like can, will, should and so on, the adverb usually goes after the auxiliary and before the main verb.
Finn
You can never predict what mood he is going to be in.
I’ve rarely seen him angry.
I will always love you.
Catherine
And I’ll always love you Finn. The same is true in negative sentences. The adverb will come after the negative and before the main verb.
Finn
I’ve never visited Iceland. I’ve never visited Iceland.
He can’t even make a cup of tea. He can’t even make a cup of tea.
Callum
What about questions?
Catherine
The same is true there. The adverb comes after the question word or auxiliary and before the main verb.
Finn
Do you still live in the same city? Do you still live in the same city?
Would you really like me to come and stay? Would you really like me to come and stay?
Have you ever thought about emigrating? Have you ever thought about emigrating?
Callum
Now, are there any places where you can’t put an adverb?
Catherine
There are. Adverbs don’t go between a main verb and its direct object. So for example could I say: I play very well tennis?
Callum
Well you could say it, but it wouldn’t be right.
Catherine
OK then, how about this? I play tennis very well.
Callum
That’s correct, though only grammatically.
Catherine
What do you mean?
Callum
Well actually you play tennis awfully!
Catherine
That’s true actually Callum, yep.
Callum
We’re nearly at the end of today’s programme, just time to take our quick quiz on this topic.
Catherine
You’re going to hear some sentences and you need to decide if the adverbs are in the correct place. Here’s the first one
Finn
You always must remember to lock the door when you leave. You always must remember to lock the door when you leave.
Callum
This one is…. not right. The adverb always should come after the modal ‘must’ and before the main verb ‘remember’. Here’s the next one.
Finn
I have never learned a foreign language. I have never learned a foreign language.
Catherine
This is… correct. The adverb, in this case never comes between the auxiliary ‘have’ and the main verb ‘learned’. And the final sentence.
Finn
She rarely is late.
Callum
This is… not correct. The adverb rarely should come after the verb ‘to be’.
Catherine
So that’s our introduction to the position of adverbs.
Callum
Do check our website bbclearningenglish.com for more information on this subject.
Catherine
And do join us again for more 6 Minute Grammar
Both
Goodbye