Position of always

Question

Hi,Can 'always' go in the places shown in the examples below?What is the difference if that is possible?1.The golden rule is always to be on time.'2.'The golden rule is to always be on time.'Thanks.

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

This question is a little harder than it appears to be.

Literally, 1 means that this is always the rule. The golden rule itself doesn't change. The rule always is "be on time." It also doesn't flow naturally. You can fix this by saying "The golden rule is 'Always be on time.'"

The problem with 2 is that is splits the infinitive. I happily split infinitives but some people still argue this is incorrect, so that "to be" should have nothing between it. However, I think this is the most natural way to say this.

You could also say "The gold rule is to be on time, always." Or "The golden rule is to be always on time." This last one doesn't flow naturally to me either.

Nsfs2 · Answer

Grammar GeekThis question is a little harder than it appears to be.Literally, 1 means that this is always the rule. The golden rule itself doesn't change. The rule always is "be on time." It also doesn't flow naturally. You can fix this by saying "The golden rule is 'Always be on time.'"The problem with 2 is that is splits the infinitive. I happily split infinitives but some people still argue this is incorrect, so that "to be" should have nothing between it. However, I think this is the most natural way to say this.You could also say "The gold rule is to be on time, always." Or "The golden rule is to be always on time." This last one doesn't flow naturally to me either.

Thanks a lot.I will always use'...be on time...' without 'always'.

Regards · Answer

Hi,

Grammar GeekYou could also say "The gold rule is to be on time, always." Or "The golden rule is to be always on time." This last one doesn't flow naturally to me either.

Or: "The golden rule is to be on time at all times."

Regards

Position of always

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions