Adverbs of frequency

Question

Are "always, continually, constantly, forever" all considered "adverbs of frequency"? Do they always go before the main verb?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Mr genuineAre "always, continually, constantly, forever" all considered "adverbs of frequency"? Do they always go before the main verb?

Yes, they are adverbs of frequency.

The position of such verbs is determined by these three rules.

1. If there is only one verb and it is a form of the verb "be", place the adverb of frequency (AOF) after the verb.

We are always late. / The children were constantly in the way.
I am usually here on Tuesdays. / Megan is sometimes in a gloomy mood.

2. If there is only one verb and it is not a form of the verb "be", place the AOF before the verb.

Santa always knows if you've been good or bad. / Steve never has coffee with breakfast.
Thomas often drives the kids to school. / Steven frequently leaves work at 6 pm.

3. If there is more than one verb, place the AOF after the first verb.

You will usually find Robert at McDonald's during the lunch hour. / They can't ever have seen anything like that.
The Williamsons have always been very kind to us. / It was never discovered where the treasure was buried.

CJ

Mr genuine · Answer

Your last point is another rewording of this rule. Right?

When we use an auxiliary verb (have, will, must, might, could, would, can, etc.), the adverb is placed between the auxiliary and the main verb.

CalifJim · Answer

Mr genuineYour last point is another rewording of this rule. Right?

Yes and no. There is a subtle difference.

Mr genuineWhen we use an auxiliary verb (have, will, must, might, could, would, can , etc.), the adverb is placed between the auxiliary and the ~~main~~ next verb.

This takes care of the case where there are two auxiliary verbs.

must have known represents an auxiliary verb, a second auxiliary verb, and a main verb.

They must always have known the truth.

People do sometimes place the AOF after the second auxiliary, but I wouldn't say that's the standard rule.

They must have always known the truth.

CJ

Mr genuine · Answer

They must have always known the truth. (Do all natives consider this as unnatural?)

Also, would you please recommend a good grammar source in which all the adverbs with their positions elaborated?

CalifJim · Answer

Mr genuineThey must have always known the truth. (Do all natives consider this as unnatural?)

No. It sounds pretty good actually, but there are sentences (none of which come to mind just now) in which the AOF after the second auxiliary doesn't sound quite right.

Mr genuinewould you please recommend a good grammar source in which all the adverbs with their positions elaborated?

I have no idea what to advise you on this. Adverbs of manner usually occur at the end of a clause. Everyone left quietly. Conjunctive adverbs usually occur at the beginning of a clause. Nevertheless, they arrived home on time.

I don't think most sources will tell you much more than those general principles, because adverb placement is mostly quite variable.

CJ

Cool Breeze · Answer

Mr genuineAlso, would you please recommend a good grammar source in which all the adverbs with their positions elaborated?

My secondary school grammar book would be good for this, but unfortunately the rules are explained in Finnish. Moreover, it has been out of print for half a century.

I'll just quickly add three rules to what CJ has said, because he has dealt with affirmative clauses only.

1. In questions, place the adverb of frequency after the subject:
Is he always late?
Has John often tried to do that?

2. Place the adverb after not:
It is not always easy to speak English.
I may not always be right.

3. In negative questions you can choose:
Hasn't John often tried to do that?
Has John not often tried to do that?

CB

Anonymous · Answer

You'll find adverb positons clearly explained here http://linguapress.com/grammar/word-order.htm

Adverbs of frequency

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