Page 22 - Basic English Usage
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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).