Advanced Grammar

Advanced · Grammar Reference

Unit 2 — Position and Use of Adverbs

adverb + adj/verb · front/mid/end · collocations · two forms · adjective order

2.1 Adverb + adjective

When an adverb qualifies an adjective or past participle, it comes immediately before it.

The hotel is completely full. We were deeply disappointed with his performance.

2.2 Adverb + verb

When an adverb qualifies a verb + object, we do not usually put the adverb between the verb and its object.

I like Mozart very much. ~~(*I like very much Mozart.)~~I usually have lunch at 1.00. ~~(*I have usually lunch at 1.00.)~~

2.3 Front, mid, or end position?

There are three normal positions within a sentence for adverbs.

Front (at the beginning of the clause): Today we're studying adverbs. Obviously it's difficult. However, we're having fun.
Mid (before the main verb, but after the verb to be): I sincerely hope you can come to the party. Pat and Peter are always late.
End (at the end of the clause): They told me the news yesterday. She speaks three languages fluently.

Adverb type	Position	Example
Manner (quickly, sincerely, gently)	end or mid	She quickly* tidied the room.*
Place (here, outside, upstairs)	end	They're playing outside.
Point in time (tomorrow, yesterday, tonight)	end or front	We're going to Paris tomorrow.
Indefinite time (already, still, just)	mid (some go end)	I've already* seen the film.*
Frequency (always, never, seldom)	mid	I always* drink tea in the morning.*
Attitude (clearly, obviously, naturally)	front or mid	Obviously I got it wrong.
Linking (however, so, although)	front	Although it was raining, we went out.
Degree/Intensifier (very, nearly, really)	before the word they qualify	I really* like you. I'm really hot.*

📌 Note

Some adverbs can be both attitude and manner. The position depends on which use it is.
Some adverbs express how complete something is. They come in mid-position: I have completely forgotten her name. We have almost finished our work.
If there is more than one adverb in the end position, the normal order is manner, place, time.

2.4 Adverb collocations

Adverbs can go with certain verbs or adjectives because there is a link in meaning between the two.

Adverb + adjective/verb collocations
deeply regret / deeply embarrassing / deeply hurt
freely admit / highly recommended / severely damaged
easily confused / desperately anxious / feel strongly
walk briskly / sadly missed

2.5 Adverbs with two forms

Some adverbs have two forms, one with and one without -ly. Sometimes the two meanings are connected.

We were flying high over the ocean. I think very highly of Joe and his work.

Sometimes the two meanings are not connected.

Without -ly	With -ly
We work hard. (a lot)	I hardly recognized her. (= almost not)
Turn right round. (completely)	I remember rightly they live here. (correctly)
We arrived late. (not punctually)	I've noticed that lately. (recently)
We get on fine. (OK)	Finely chop the carrots. (in small pieces)
Sure, I'll help. (certainly)	Surely it's illegal? (isn't it obvious?)
You ate most. (more than anyone)	It was mostly sunny. (generally)
His shot went wide. (off target)	We've travelled widely. (extensively)
It could go wrong. (badly)	You were wrongly informed. (incorrectly)
Go easy on him. (gently)	We won easily. (without difficulty)

2.6 Adjective order

Generally speaking, value adjectives (which indicate personal opinion) come first, followed by size, age, colour, shape, origin, and material. Compound nouns (e.g. washing machine; coffee pot) are never separated.

two lovely black leather riding bootsa priceless 19th-century Impressionist paintingJane's pretty Victorian writing desk