Chapter 37: The Position of Adverbs
Welcome to Chapter 37! You already know what adverbs are—they are words that give us more information about verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. But did you know that where you put an adverb in a sentence is just as important as the adverb you choose? If you put it in the wrong place, your sentence might sound unnatural or confusing.
In this chapter, we will learn the rules for placing adverbs perfectly every time. We will break this down into clear, easy-to-remember rules!
Topic 1: Adverbs at the End (Manner, Place, and Time)
1. Adverbs of Manner
Explanation: Adverbs of manner answer the question 'How?'. These include words like well, fast, quickly, carefully, calmly.
The Rule: They are generally placed after the verb or after the object if there is one.
Solved Examples:
- It is raining heavily. (Placed after the verb 'raining')
- The ship is going slowly. (Placed after the verb 'going')
- She speaks English well. (Placed after the object 'English')
- He does his work carefully. (Placed after the object 'his work')
2. Adverbs of Place and Time
Explanation: Adverbs or adverb phrases of place (e.g., here, there, everywhere, on the wall) and of time (e.g., now, then, yet, today, next Sunday) follow a very similar rule.
The Rule: They are also usually placed after the verb or after the object if there is one.
Solved Examples:
- He will come here.
- I looked everywhere.
- Hang the picture there.
- I met him yesterday.
- They are to be married next week.
3. The "MPT" Rule (Manner, Place, Time)
Explanation: What happens if you have more than one adverb at the end of your sentence? Which one goes first?
The Rule: When there are two or more adverbs after a verb (and its object), the normal order is adverb of manner, adverb of place, adverb of time. Just remember the letters M - P - T!
Solved Examples:
- She sang well (Manner) in the concert (Place).
- We should go there (Place) tomorrow evening (Time).
- He spoke earnestly (Manner) at the meeting (Place) last night (Time).
Additional Practice Exercises (Topic 1)
Rearrange the words to form correct sentences using the MPT rule:
- played / outside / yesterday / happily / the children.
- slept / on the sofa / peacefully / the baby / all afternoon.
Solutions:
- 1. The children played happily (Manner) outside (Place) yesterday (Time).
- 2. The baby slept peacefully (Manner) on the sofa (Place) all afternoon (Time).
Common Mistakes & Tips
- Mistake: Putting an adverb between a verb and its direct object (e.g., "She speaks well English").
- Tip: Always keep the verb and its object together! Put the adverb after the object ("She speaks English well").
Topic 2: Adverbs in the Middle (Frequency and Degree)
Explanation: Some adverbs don't go at the end; they jump right into the middle of the sentence! Adverbs of frequency answer the question 'How often?'. Examples include: always, never, often, rarely, usually, generally. There are also certain other adverbs like almost, already, hardly, nearly, just, quite that follow the same rules.
The General Rule
They are normally put between the subject and the verb if the verb consists of only one word. However, if there is more than one word in the verb, they are put after the first word.
Solved Examples:
- His wife never cooks. (Between subject 'wife' and single-word verb 'cooks')
- We usually have breakfast at eight. (Between subject 'we' and verb 'have')
- He has never seen a tiger. (Placed after the first verb word 'has')
- I have often told him to write neatly. (Placed after the first verb word 'have')
- My uncle has just gone out. (Placed after 'has')
- I quite agree with you. (Between subject 'I' and verb 'agree')
The Exception for "Be" Verbs
The Rule: If the verb is am/are/is/was, these adverbs are placed after the verb.
Solved Examples:
- I am never late for school.
- He is always at home on Sundays.
- We are just off.
Additional Practice Exercises (Topic 2)
Place the adverb in brackets into the correct position:
- She is tired after work. (usually)
- They have finished their homework. (almost)
Solutions:
- 1. She is usually tired after work. (Explanation: Placed after the "be" verb "is".)
- 2. They have almost finished their homework. (Explanation: Placed after the first word of the verb phrase "have finished".)
Topic 3: Special Cases with Verbs and Auxiliaries
Sometimes, adverbs of frequency behave a little differently depending on emphasis or specific verbs used.
1. Stressed Auxiliaries
The Rule: These adverbs are usually put before an auxiliary or the single verb be, when it is stressed. When an auxiliary is used alone in short responses, it is stressed and therefore the adverb comes before it.
Solved Examples:
- "Abdul has come late again." "Yes, he always does come late."
- "When will you write the essay?" "But I already have written it."
- "Will you be free on Sundays?" "I usually am free on Sundays."
- "Do you eat meat?" "Yes, I sometimes do." (Short response where 'do' is stressed).
2. "Have to" and "Used to"
The Rule: The auxiliaries have to and used to prefer the adverb in front of them.
Solved Examples:
- I often have to go to college on foot.
- He always used to agree with me.
Topic 4: Modifying Adjectives and Other Adverbs
The Rule: When an adverb modifies an adjective or another adverb, the adverb usually comes before it.
Solved Examples:
- Rama is a rather lazy boy. ('Rather' modifies the adjective 'lazy')
- The dog was quite dead. ('Quite' modifies the adjective 'dead')
- The book is way interesting. ('Way' modifies the adjective 'interesting')
- Do not speak so fast. ('So' modifies the adverb 'fast')
The Big Exception: "Enough"
The Rule: The adverb enough is placed after the word which it modifies. This is a very important exception to memorize!
Solved Examples:
- Is the box big enough?
- He was rash enough to interrupt.
- He spoke loud enough to be heard.
Additional Practice Exercises (Topic 4)
Identify the error in the following sentences and correct them:
- He is enough smart to pass the test.
- The water is hot very.
Solutions:
- 1. He is smart enough to pass the test. (Explanation: 'Enough' must come after the adjective it modifies.)
- 2. The water is very hot. (Explanation: Normal adverbs like 'very' come before the adjective they modify.)
Topic 5: The Tricky Word "Only"
The Rule: As a general rule, the word only should be placed immediately before the word it modifies.
Solved Examples:
- I worked only two sums. ('Only' modifies 'two')
- He has slept only three hours. ('Only' modifies 'three')
Spoken English Exception: In spoken English, however, it is usually put before the verb. The required meaning is obtained by stressing the word which the 'only' modifies.
- I only worked two sums.
- He has only slept three hours.
Textbook Exercise 63: Complete Solutions
Instructions: Insert the given adverbs (or adverb phrases) in their normal position.
| Sentence with Given Adverb | Corrected Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. He invited me to visit him (often). | He often invited me to visit him. | 'Often' is a frequency adverb; it goes before the single-word verb 'invited'. |
| 2. I am determined to yield this point (never). | I am never determined to yield this point. | Frequency adverbs go after the 'be' verb 'am'. |
| 3. I know the answer (already). | I already know the answer. | 'Already' goes between the subject and the single-word verb. |
| 4. We have seen her (just, in the square). | We have just seen her in the square. | 'Just' goes after the first auxiliary 'have'. 'In the square' is a place, so it goes at the end. |
| 5. I have to reach the office (by 9:30, usually). | I usually have to reach the office by 9:30. | 'Usually' prefers the position in front of 'have to'. Time ('by 9:30') goes at the end. |
| 6. Will he be (there, still)? | Will he still be there? | 'Still' goes before the main verb 'be'. 'There' is a place, going at the end. |
| 7. I shall meet you (this evening, in the park). | I shall meet you in the park this evening. | MPT Rule: Place (in the park) comes before Time (this evening). |
| 8. The train has left (just). | The train has just left. | 'Just' goes after the first word of the verb phrase ('has'). |
| 9. “Can you park your car near the shops?” “Yes, I can (usually).” | “Yes, I usually can.” | When an auxiliary is used alone in a short response, the adverb comes before it because it is stressed. |
| 10. You have to check your oil before starting (always). | You always have to check your oil before starting. | Adverbs go in front of 'have to'. |
| 11. He is in time for meals (never). | He is never in time for meals. | Frequency adverbs go after the 'be' verb ('is'). |
| 12. We should come (here, one morning). | We should come here one morning. | MPT Rule: Place ('here') comes before Time ('one morning'). |
| 13. He has recovered from his illness (quite). | He has quite recovered from his illness. | 'Quite' goes after the first part of the verb phrase ('has'). |
| 14. She goes to the cinema (seldom). | She seldom goes to the cinema. | 'Seldom' is a frequency adverb, placed before the single-word verb 'goes'. |
| 15. That is not good (enough). | That is not good enough. | 'Enough' always goes after the word it modifies ('good'). |
| 16. You must say such a thing (never, again). | You must never say such a thing again. | 'Never' goes after the first auxiliary ('must'). 'Again' goes at the end. |
| 17. Suresh arrives (always, at 9 o'clock, at the office). | Suresh always arrives at the office at 9 o'clock. | 'Always' goes before the main verb. Place ('at the office') before Time ('at 9 o'clock'). |
| 18. He played the violin (last night, brilliantly, in the concert). | He played the violin brilliantly in the concert last night. | Strict MPT Rule: Manner (brilliantly) + Place (in the concert) + Time (last night). |
Chapter Summary
- End of Sentence: Adverbs of manner (how), place (where), and time (when) generally go at the end of a sentence.
- MPT Rule: If there are multiple adverbs at the end, use the order: Manner, Place, Time.
- Middle of Sentence: Adverbs of frequency (how often) and degree go before a main verb, but after "be" verbs (am/is/are/was) or the first auxiliary verb.
- Exceptions: Put adverbs before "have to", "used to", or stressed auxiliaries in short responses.
- Enough: Always place "enough" after the adjective or adverb it describes.
Chapter Assessment: 20 Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Where are adverbs of manner generally placed in a sentence?
A) Before the main verb
B) After the verb or after the object if there is one
C) At the very beginning of the sentence
D) Between the auxiliary and the main verb
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Adverbs of manner are generally placed after the verb or after the object if there is one.
2. What is the correct "normal order" when there are two or more adverbs after a verb?
A) Time, Place, Manner
B) Place, Manner, Time
C) Manner, Place, Time
D) Time, Manner, Place
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: When there are two or more adverbs after a verb, the normal order is adverb of manner, adverb of place, adverb of time.
3. Which of the following sentences uses the correct adverb order?
A) He spoke earnestly at the meeting last night.
B) He spoke last night earnestly at the meeting.
C) He spoke at the meeting earnestly last night.
D) He spoke last night at the meeting earnestly.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: "Earnestly" (Manner), "at the meeting" (Place), "last night" (Time) follows the MPT rule.
4. Where are adverbs of frequency like 'never' normally placed if the verb consists of only one word?
A) At the end of the sentence
B) Between the subject and the verb
C) After the verb
D) Before the subject
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Adverbs of frequency are normally put between the subject and the verb if the verb consists of only one word.
5. Which of the following is correct regarding the 'be' verbs (am/are/is/was)?
A) I never am late for school.
B) I am late never for school.
C) I am never late for school.
D) Never I am late for school.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: If the verb is am/are/is/was, these adverbs are placed after the verb.
6. Where does an adverb go when used with the phrase "have to"?
A) After "have"
B) After "to"
C) In front of "have to"
D) At the end of the sentence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The auxiliaries have to and used to prefer the adverb in front of them.
7. Choose the correct sentence containing "used to":
A) He used to always agree with me.
B) He used always to agree with me.
C) He always used to agree with me.
D) He used to agree always with me.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The adverb "always" is placed in front of "used to".
8. Where should the adverb go in a short response like "Yes, I ___ do."?
A) After "do" (Yes, I do sometimes.)
B) Before "do" (Yes, I sometimes do.)
C) Before "I" (Yes, sometimes I do.)
D) It does not matter.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When an auxiliary is used alone in short responses, it is stressed and therefore the adverb comes before it.
9. When an adverb modifies an adjective, where is it usually placed?
A) After the adjective
B) Before the adjective
C) At the end of the sentence
D) At the beginning of the sentence
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When an adverb modifies an adjective or another adverb, the adverb usually comes before it.
10. Which word is the major exception to the rule of modifying adverbs and adjectives?
A) Quite
B) Very
C) Enough
D) Almost
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The adverb enough is placed after the word which it modifies, unlike other adverbs.
11. Which sentence uses "enough" correctly?
A) Is the enough box big?
B) Is the box enough big?
C) Is the box big enough?
D) Enough is the box big?
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The adverb enough is placed after the word which it modifies (big).
12. As a general rule in strict grammar, where should "only" be placed?
A) Anywhere in the sentence
B) Before the main verb always
C) At the end of the sentence
D) Immediately before the word it modifies
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: As a general rule, the word only should be placed immediately before the word it modifies.
13. How is "only" commonly used differently in spoken English?
A) It is omitted entirely.
B) It is usually put before the verb, and the modified word is stressed.
C) It is always put at the end of the sentence.
D) It is replaced by "just".
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In spoken English, it is usually put before the verb, and the required meaning is obtained by stressing the word which the 'only' modifies.
14. Identify the correct placement of "just" in a multi-word verb phrase:
A) My uncle just has gone out.
B) My uncle has gone just out.
C) My uncle has gone out just.
D) My uncle has just gone out.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: If there is more than one word in the verb, adverbs like 'just' are put after the first word.
15. In the sentence "It is raining heavily", what kind of adverb is "heavily"?
A) Adverb of Time
B) Adverb of Frequency
C) Adverb of Manner
D) Adverb of Place
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Adverbs of manner answer the question 'How?' and "heavily" describes how it is raining.
16. Which sentence is correctly ordered according to the MPT rule?
A) We should go there tomorrow evening.
B) We should go tomorrow evening there.
C) We should there go tomorrow evening.
D) Tomorrow evening we should there go.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Adverb of Place (there) normally comes before Adverb of Time (tomorrow evening).
17. What kind of adverbs answer the question 'How often'?
A) Adverbs of Place
B) Adverbs of Time
C) Adverbs of Manner
D) Adverbs of Frequency
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Adverbs of frequency, which answer the question 'How often?'.
18. Which of the following is an adverb of frequency?
A) Carefully
B) Everywhere
C) Usually
D) Yesterday
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Examples of adverbs of frequency include always, never, often, rarely, usually, generally.
19. "He spoke loud enough to be heard." Why is 'enough' placed after 'loud'?
A) Because 'loud' is a noun.
B) Because the adverb enough is always placed after the word it modifies.
C) Because it sounds better in spoken English.
D) Because 'enough' is an adverb of time.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The adverb enough is an exception and is placed after the word which it modifies.
20. "Do not speak so fast." In this sentence, the adverb 'so' comes before 'fast' because:
A) It modifies the adverb 'fast'.
B) It modifies the verb 'speak'.
C) It is an adverb of place.
D) It is an adverb of time.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When an adverb modifies an adjective or another adverb, the adverb usually comes before it.
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