Page 22 - Basic English Usage
P. 22

14                           22

                When  there  are  two  auxiliary  verbs,  these  adverbs  usually  come  after
                the  first.
                  We  have  never  been  invited  to  one  of  their  parties.
                  She  must  sometimes  have  wanted  to  run  away.
                Usually,  normally,  often,  frequently,  sometimes  and  occasionally  can  go
                at  the  beginning  of  a  clause  for  emphasis.  Always,  never,  rarely,  seldom
                and  ever  cannot.
                  Sometimes  |  think  I'd  like  to  live  somewhere  else.
                  Usually  |  get  up  early.
                  (NOT  Afways+getup-eary.  Nevertgetup early.)
                But  always  and  never  can  come  at  the  beginning  of  imperative  clauses.
                  Always  look  in  your  mirror  before  starting  to  drive.
                  Never  ask  her  about  her  marriage.
                For  the  position  of  adverbs  of  definite  frequency  (for  example  daily,
                weekly),  see  8  below.

                Focusing  adverbs
                These  adverbs  ‘point  to’  or  emphasize  one  part  of  the  clause.
                Examples:  also,  just,  even,  only,  mainly,  mostly,  either,  or,  neither,  nor
                Position:   mid-position  (after  auxiliary  verbs  and  am,  are,  is,  was  and
                          were;  before  other  verbs).
                  auxiliary  verb  +  adverb
                                           OO)
                                                  Ge Antarshnal
                  He's  been  everywhere—he’s  even  been  to  Antarctica.
                       To
                  ’'monly  going'for  two  da ys.
                   be  +  adverb
                                          pt
                  She's  my  teacher,  but  she’s  also'my  friend!
                  The  people  at  the  meeting  were  mainly  scientists.

                   adverb  +  other  verb
                              [7
                  Your  bicycle  just  needs'some  oil'— that’s  all.
                           71            1
                 She  neither  said  thank-you  nor  looked  at  me.
                Too  and  as  well  are  focusing  adverbs  that  go  in  end-position.  (See  28.)
                Either goes  in  end-position  after  not.  (See  217.)

                Adverbs  of  certainty
                We  use  these  adverbs  to  say  how  sure  we  are  of  something.
                Examples:  certainly,  definitely,  clearly,  obviously,  probably,  really
                Position:  |  mid-position  (after  auxiliary  verbs  and  am,  are,  is,  was  and
                          were;  before  other  verbs).
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