Page 20 - Basic English Usage
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13 adverbs: position (general)
Different kinds of adverbs go in different positions in a clause. Here are
some general rules: for more details, see 14. (Note: these rules apply
both to one-word adverbs and to adverb phrases of two or more wards.)
Verb and object
We do not usually put adverbs between a verb and its object.
... adverb + verb + object
! very much like my job. (NOT Hike-very muehinty job. )
... verb + object + adverb
She speaks English well. (NOT She speaks-welt Engtisi.)
Initial, mid and end position
There are three normal positions for adverbs:
a. initial position (at the beginning of a clause)
Yesterday morning something very strange happened.
b. mid-position (with the verb — for the exact position see 14.2)
My brother completely forgot my birthday.
c. end position (at the end of a clause)
What are you doing tomorrow?
Most adverb phrases (adverbs of two or more words) cannot go in
mid-position. Compare:
He got dressed quickly. He quickly got dressed.
(Quickly can go in end or mid-position.)
He got dressed in a hurry (NOT Heirrahurry gotdressed-)
(in a hurry cannot go in mid-position.)
What goes where?
initial position
Connecting adverbs (which join a clause to what came before). Time
adverbs can also go here (see 14.8).
However, not everybody agreed. (connecting adverb)
Tomorrow I've got a meeting in Cardiff. (time adverb)
mid-position
Focusing adverbs (which emphasize one part of the clause); adverbs of
certainty and completeness; adverbs of indefinite frequency; some
adverbs of manner (see 14.6).
7" 1.
He's been everywhere — he’s even been to Antarctica. (focusing
adverb)