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Gustavo K Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
Position for "probably"
In the sentence "These expensive guitars are probably not for you" the word probably is between are and not. If I contract are and not, where must I put "probably"? Before or after "aren't"?
Top answer
Before.
- Before.
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5 Answers
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Note, however, that in speech postmodifiers like "These expensive guitars are not for you -- probably" are not uncommon.
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So the three following forms are correct:
1. These guitars are probably not for you.
2. These guitars probably aren't for you.
3. These guitars are not for you probably. (in speech)
1. These guitars are probably not for you.
2. These guitars probably aren't for you.
3. These guitars are not for you probably. (in speech)
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You should really avoid the third if at all possible, even in speech. It's usually used when someone forgot to introduce the modifier earlier, or is hastily modifying what he intended to say based on the reaction of his audience. I just wanted to let you know that it will come up occasionally in speech.
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