Position of the adverb

Question

Hi Experts,Can you explain gramatically if the "in the earthquake" is an adverb (what kind) or ?And gramatically speaking, can  the "last year" put after the "destroyed"? does it change the meaning of the sentence?Some buildings there were destroyed in the earthquake last year were constrcuted in vilation of the city's bulding code.Thank you.L

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

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I think you need "that", not "there". (Third word.)

Some buildings that were destroyed in the earthquake last year were constructed in violation of the city's building code.

in the earthquake is a prepositional phrase. It modifies the verb destroyed, so it acts as an adverb.

In English the most common pattern for adverbs (and expressions which act as adverbs) is to place the adverb of place before the adverb of time if both are present.

in the earthquake tells place; last year tells time. So they are in the normal order for English.

But you could say ... destroyed last year in the earthquake ..., and it would not be too jarring. Maybe that's because in the earthquake can also be thought of as an adverb of manner.

CJ

Position of the adverb

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