4. Position of Adverbs

Adverbs occupy different positions in a sentence : at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end.

At the beginning of a sentence before the subject.

Examples:

  • Foolishly , we decided to try it out.
  • Fortunately , we got home before it rained.
  • Hopefully , it will not rain.
  • Naturally ,   we hope for our team to win.
  • Silently , he crept up the stairs.
  • Sometimes , she buys me an ice cream.
  • Suddenly , all the lights went out.

At the end of a sentence.

Examples:

  • We had to eat quickly .
  • He admitted punching and kicking the elderly man repeatedly .
  • Our overweight neighbor fell and hurt her leg badly .
  • Hey, you have not pronounced my name correctly .

The following examples show adverbs used in the middle of a sentence, before or after the main verb. Where there is an auxiliary verb, the adverb is found between the auxiliary verb and the main verb, or after the auxiliary verb and before an adjective that the adverb modifies.

The adverb comes before the verb. 

Examples:

  • My clumsy cousin  accidentally � knocked  my vase of fresh flowers over.

  • A customer bravely tackled  a thief at a store.
  • Knowing he was late, he nervously glanced  at his watch.
  • Their parents often � attend yoga classes.
  • Accidents regularly occur  on this crowded street.
  • She reluctantly agreed  to go with them.  

The adverb comes after the verb.

Examples:

  • The sisters dressed beautifully  for the occasion.
  • She spoke � briefly  to the reporters.
  • The tourist looked carefully  at the antique clock before she bought it.
  • A crowd of boys watched a helicopter hover noisily  overhead.
  • He laughed loudly  at his own joke.
  • She smiled sweetly  for the camera.
  • We walked quickly  to get there on time.

The adverb is used between the auxiliary verb ‘be’ and the main verb

Examples:

  • The rain had already stopped  when we arrived.
  • We do occasionally go  bird-watching.
  • They have openly accused  him of stealing.
  • He was successfully operated on  after the accident.
  • Their parents were tragically killed  in a road accident.

The adverb is placed between the auxiliary verb used as main verb and an adjective that the adverb modifies. 

Examples:

  • You are always quick  to point out other people's faults.
  • As usual, they are very late .
  • He was happily married  with five daughters.
  • The boys were incredibly lucky  to be alive after what happened.
  • Their team was soundly beaten .