Word Order 2: Adverbs with the Verb

Adverbs in the Middle of a Sentence

Some adverbs go with the verb in the middle of a sentence, not at the beginning or end. Common examples:

• Emily always drives to work.
• The meeting will probably be cancelled.
• We were feeling very tired and we were also hungry.

One-Word Verb: Adverb Goes Before the Verb

When the verb is a single word (drives, cooked, fell, etc.), put the adverb before the verb.

Important: These adverbs also go before have to:

• Joe never phones me. I always have to phone him. (not I have always to phone)

Exception: After am / is / are / was / were

Adverbs go after the verb be when it is the only verb:

• You‘re always late. You‘re never on time.
• We were also hungry. (not We also were hungry.)
• The traffic isn’t usually as bad as it was this morning.

Two or More Verbs: After the First Verb

When the verb has two or more parts (can remember, will be cancelled, have been, etc.), the adverb usually goes after the first verb.

Note on probably + negatives: probably goes before a negative word:

• I probably won’t see you. or I’ll probably not see you. (not I won’t probably see you.)

All and Both in the Middle

Use all and both in the same position as adverbs: before the main verb, but after be.

• We all felt ill after the meal. (not We felt all ill.)
• My parents are both teachers.
• Sarah and Jane have both applied for the job.
• My friends are all going out tonight.

Short Replies: Adverb Before the Verb

When you use a short verb form instead of repeating a full sentence, the adverb goes before that verb:

• He always says he won’t be late, but he always is. (= he is always late)
• I’ve never done it and I never will. (= I will never do it)

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