[Grammar] Order of adj and adv

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hoang21anh

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Hi everyone,

I'm confused about the order between adjectives and adverbs in a sentence, i.e which one stands first?

For example, in the 2 sentences:
"English is widely used around the world"
and
"English is used widely around the world"
I see that widely used and used widely are used equally. So, does it mean that all adjs and advs can switch with each other's place? Or is there a rule for this?

Please explain this for me.
Thank you in advance :)
 

nedira

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Adjectives: In English adjectives usually proceed the nouns they modify and they may also follow linking verbs.
look at the following examples:
1- Mary bought a new car.
2- Mary's car is new
Adverbs: As far as adverbs are concerned, they usually appear in various positions. They may proceed the verb they modify as they may follow it. They may also appear at the beginning or the end of the sentence.

Examples:
Angrily, she took her coat and left the house.
-She took her coat and left the house angrily.
-She always drives fast
.
-She rarely talks about her personal life.
I hope this will help you.
 

billmcd

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In addition to nedira's response and as a general rule, place adverbs before main verbs, after the verb "to be" and between two word verbs (i.e. auxiliary and main verb or "to be" and participle) e.g. "I always eat breakfast.", "He is usually hungry after school." "English is widely used etc."
 
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