The position of 'Always' in the sentence

Question

I am confused with the problem that 'Always'should be put in front of be or behind be? for example, 'I am always watching TV in the evening' or 'I always am watching TV in the evening'. In addition, how about the position of 'always' and 'can'? like 'can always' or 'always can'?

I am not a native speaker and I want to learn formal English!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Zongliang Gu'I am always watching TV in the evening

This looks like Indian English. It would be more natural to say I always watch TV in the evenings.

CalifJim · Answer

Zongliang GuI am always watching TV in the evening.

Adverbs of frequency include often, frequently, usually, seldom, always, almost always, never, almost never, and hardly ever, among others.

These adverbs are placed

1) after a one-word form of be (am, is, are, was, were)
2) after auxiliary have (has, have, had)
3) after a modal verb (can, could, will, would, etc.)
4) before any other verb phrase consisting of a single word.

Although adverbs like just, probably, likely, definitely, and certainly are not adverbs of frequency, they can be placed in the same positions.

Examples:

1) The men were always tired. / The boss was always seen there.
2) The others had always left before I did.
3) You can always try again tomorrow. / They will always remember this.
4) She always knows what to do. / Ted always wins at poker.

Adverb placement is not very strict in English, so you will see adverbs in positions other than those shown above. However, you will usually be right if you follow the guidelines above.

CJ

The position of 'Always' in the sentence

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