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Pastsimple Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

I usually don't / I don't usually

Hi,

are both sentences in the pairs below correct? If so, what's the difference?

Pair #1:

I usually don't get up at 8. OR I don't usually get up at 8.

Pair #2:

I often don't get up at 8. OR I don't often get up at 8.
  

Top answer

is) are main verbs this kind of adverb comes after them.

— Coloraday

  • is) are main verbs this kind of adverb comes after them.
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5 Answers
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these kinds adverbs always come before the main verb.And when the main verb comes with (To Be verbs and can,have/has,...) this kind of adverb comes after them but before the main verb.Also when (were.was.am.are.is) are main verbs this kind of adverb comes after them.
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Both are correct in both pairs, but the typical position of an adverb of frequency is after the first auxiliary verb (don't in this case), if there is one. Placing the adverb earlier has the effect of calling attention to it to some extent, which is also fine for when you'd like to emphasize it a little.

CJ
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I USUALLY do not get up at 8 = "Usually" modifies the whole sentence (It usually happens that I do not get up at 8); I do NOT USUALLY get up at 8 = "not usually" modifies the verb.
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Ok, but when you say 'I often do homework at schooI', the adverb of frequency is before the auxiIiary 'do'
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I do my homework: this "do" is not Auxiliary. just it is the main verb.

e.g. I don't do my homework.

in this case, dont("do" not) is auxiliary, including the negative "not"
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