Have sometimes been known

Question

Should adverb always go between main and modal verb?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

BulbulTada
Should adverb always go between main and modal verb?

Adverbs of frequency* go 1) after the verb BE (in any form) if it's the only verb, and 2) after the first verb if there is a series of verbs, and 3) just before the verb if there's only one verb (that is not BE).

1) He was always on time. /
2) You should always check twice. / They might never have been found.
3) We always do it like this.

*always, never, sometimes, often, usually, rarely, seldom, frequently ...

sometimes is a special case. It can go in various positions. That's decided as a matter of style and where it sounds best.

Sometimes Lucy is depressed.
Lucy is sometimes depressed. < position according to the "rule"
Lucy is depressed sometimes.

Adverbs of manner usually go at the end.

We usually do this quickly. / We often eat together.

Sentential adverbs usually go at the beginning, less often in the middle or at the end.

Fortunately, they found the lost dog.

CJ

Have sometimes been known

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions