00 / Adjectives & Adverbs
Adverb placement
Adverbs describe how, when, or how often an action happens. Their position in a sentence depends on the type of adverb and the verbs used.
A2Elementary
01 / Overview
Adverbs of frequency and manner have specific positions. Frequency adverbs tell us how often something happens, while manner adverbs describe how an action is performed.
- Frequency adverbs usually go before the main verb but after the verb 'be'.
- Manner adverbs usually go after the main verb or after the object.
02 / Word Order
Subject + Adverb + Main Verb | Subject + be + Adverb
The placement changes if the sentence uses the verb 'be' or an auxiliary verb.
03 / Frequency vs. Manner Placement
| Adverb Type | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Before main verb | They often visit us. |
| Frequency | After 'be' | She is always late. |
| Manner | After verb/object | He drives slowly. |
04 / Examples
05 / Common mistakes
I drink always coffee.
I always drink coffee.
Frequency adverbs must come before the main verb, not after it.
He plays well the guitar.
He plays the guitar well.
Do not put an adverb between a verb and its direct object.
06 / Practice
Reorder these words: (often / they / late / are)
Show answer
Answer: They are often late.
Why: With the verb 'be', the frequency adverb 'often' must come after the verb.
Put 'slowly' in the correct place: 'The man walked to the door.'
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Answer: The man walked slowly to the door.
Why: Adverbs of manner like 'slowly' usually follow the verb they describe.
Correct the sentence: 'She eats sometimes breakfast at 9:00.'
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Answer: She sometimes eats breakfast at 9:00.
Why: The frequency adverb 'sometimes' should be placed before the main verb 'eats'.