[Grammar] ADVERBS

Status
Not open for further replies.

Arara

Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Italian
Home Country
Italy
Current Location
Brazil
Hi,
I have some doubts regarding positions of the adverbs. As far as I know the adverbs can have 3 different positions in a sentence (initial, middle and final position)
I am not sure about the middle position; can I always put the adverb between the auxiliary and the main verb? If not there are any rules that explain the right position of the adverb?
Example:
Unfortunately, they won’t probably be able to go. It doesn’t sound right for me I would say: Unfortunately, they probably won’t be able to go. I would like to know if I am right and why.
Example 2:
Things have incredibly been hectic at work for a few days now.
Things have been incredibly hectic at work for a few days now.
Example 3:
I have always played football

Thank's
 
Last edited:
In example 2, the adverb is not modifying the verb, but the adjective hectic, so it should go before that.
 
Unfortunately, they won’t probably be able to go.

Unfortunately, they will not probably be able to go. Sounds funny because it is ambiguous.

1) Unfortunately, they will not, probably, be able to go. or
2) Unfortunately, they will not probably be able to go. 'not probably be able to go' = something like 'they will certainly be able to go'

Unfortunately, they will probably not be able to go.
Unfortunately, they probably will not be able to go.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)
Back
Top