Master Grammar Logo

Master English Grammar

Adverb Placement Rules

Learn the rules for placing adverbs in sentences. Understand how the placement of adverbs affects meaning, as in She quickly ran home vs. She ran home quickly.

What Are Adverb Placement Rules?

Adverb placement refers to where adverbs can be placed within a sentence. Depending on their position, adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

Why Is This Important?

Understanding the correct placement of adverbs helps you convey meaning clearly, ensuring that the sentence reflects the intended emphasis or action.

General Rules for Adverb Placement

In most cases, adverbs can be placed before or after the verb. The position of the adverb can change the focus of the sentence or emphasize a different part of the action.

Common Examples

She quickly ran home. (Adverb before the verb)
She ran home quickly. (Adverb after the verb)

Key Points

  • Adverbs of manner (e.g., quickly, slowly) typically go after the verb
    • She ran quickly to catch the bus.
    • He walked slowly down the street.
  • Adverbs of frequency (e.g., always, usually) go before the main verb but after the auxiliary verb
    • She always goes to the gym.
    • He usually works on weekends.
  • Adverbs of time and place (e.g., now, there) often go at the end of the sentence
    • She goes to the park every day.
    • He will be there tomorrow.

Rules for Adverb Placement

  • Use adverbs of manner (e.g., quickly, slowly) after the main verb or at the end of the sentence

    • She quickly ran to the station.
    • He walked slowly down the street.
    • The car moved quietly through the city.

  • Use adverbs of frequency (e.g., always, never) before the main verb but after the auxiliary verb

    • I always drink coffee in the morning.
    • She usually goes for a run.
    • They never arrive late.

  • Adverbs of time and place (e.g., now, here) often go at the end of the sentence

    • I will see you tomorrow.
    • She works here every day.
    • They arrived late.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    Some adverbs, like only, can be placed in different positions to emphasize different parts of the sentence.

  • Use adverbs like only to emphasize a particular part of the sentence.

    • I only saw him yesterday. (Emphasis on the action)
    • I saw only him yesterday. (Emphasis on the object)
ExampleTenseUse
She quickly ran home.PresentAdverb before the verb (adverb of manner)
She ran home quickly.PresentAdverb after the verb (adverb of manner)
He always goes to work by bike.PresentAdverb of frequency before the verb
She will be here tomorrow.FutureAdverb of time at the end of the sentence

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.