Postions of Adverbs

Question

I was taught in school that adverbials come after the verb, which is the case in the sentences highlighted in blue below. Would the meaning, however, change if I place the adverb before the verb that it is modifying, as it is in the sentences in red?

1. I should appreciate it if you could finish it quickly.
1a. I should appreciate it if you could quickly finish it.

2. He completed the project very efficiently.
2a. He very efficiently completed the project.

3. Jones received the news of the results happily.
3a. Jones happily received the news of the results.

4. Keith opened the car door quietly.
4. Keith quietly opened the car door.

Thank you for your time and help.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

1. is correct and is the most general way of saying this.

1a. is also correct. The difference is that putting the adverb before the verb generally gives more emphasis. Here the speaker might be irritated at the listener's not finishing it and is admonishing him in a sharp tone.

2. is correct and is the most general way of saying this.

2a. is also correct. This is a more emphatic statement. The speaker might be praising person's performance on the project.

3. is correct. This is actually the less frequently heard version.

3a. is correct. This is the more general way of saying this. The word "happily" naturally implies emphasis, and so it put in front of the verb. In 3. the implication is a subdued kind of happiness, because of the position of the adverb after the verb.

4. This is correct and the most general way of saying this.

4a. is also correct. This implies a very deliberate attempt to open the door quietly. The person is being stealthy here for some reason.

Sesquipedalian101 · Answer

Thank you very much for your prompt assistance and views. I appreciate it.

Postions of Adverbs

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions