English grammar Position of adverbs

In this English lesson you learn the position of adverbs in sentences. This lesson will help you improve your speaking and writing skills in English.

In English we have front position adverbs, mid position adverbs, and end position adverbs.

Let’s have a look at the three types.

Front position adverbs

These adverbs can be connecting adverbs: then, however, as a result, finally, etc.

We went to the cinema. Then we went out to dinner.

The economy is bad at the moment. However, the job market seems to be getting better.

Comment adverbs: personally, stupidly, unfortunately, etc.

Personally, I prefer working nights.

Unfortunately, I didn’t pass the exam.

time and place adverbs: today, every week, yesterday, here, there, etc.

Today we went to the doctor’s because my sone was ill.

Here comes your older brother.

Every week she has a different boyfriend.

Two other front position adverbs are maybe and perhaps.

Perhaps I’ll go for a run.

Mid position adverbs

Mid position adverbs normally go in between the subject and the verb of a sentence, or after an auxiliary verb and the main verb.

Some examples of this type of adverbs are:

Indefinite frequency – always, usually, normally, seldom, never, etc.

I never eat lunch before 1pm during the week.

They usually go to Spain for their summer holidays.

Degree adverbs – almost, nearly, completely, more or less, etc.

Sally is my ex-girlfriend. We nearly got married a few years ago then we broke up.

I completely agree with what you have just said.

Adverbs of certainty – definitely, surely, probably, clearly, etc.

I will definitely visit my parents tomorrow.

Messi is clearly the best player in the league.

Focus adverbs also go in the mid position.

I just need a few more minutes to finish my homework.

End position adverbs – manner, place, time

Adverbs of manner – angrily, happily, badly, fast, etc.

He stormed out of the room angrily*.

Pepe speaks English really well.

‘ly’ adverbs can also take a mid position.

Adverbs of place – here, there, upstairs, downstairs, etc.

The children sleep downstairs while we sleep upstairs.

Can you please take the rubbish outside?

Adverbs of time – today, last week, etc. (emphasis on when)

We went to the cinema today.

She has a new boyfriend every week.

So there you go. These are the main position of adverbs in English.

Please watch the video lesson to check pronunciation and context.

Here is another grammar lesson for you to study.

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