Lesson

Word order 2: adverbs with the verb

Adverb position with verbs

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Word order 2: adverbs with the verb

This lesson focuses on where to place adverbs that modify verbs — especially frequency, manner and degree adverbs — in different verb structures (simple verbs, the verb be, auxiliary verbs like have, and modal verbs). You'll learn the typical positions and how placement changes meaning or sounds natural in business contexts.

  • Frequency adverbs (always, often, usually, never) usually go before the main verb but after auxiliary verbs.
  • With the verb be, adverbs come after the verb (She is usually available).
  • With auxiliaries (have, be as an auxiliary, will, modals), place the adverb after the first auxiliary (We have often seen this).
  • Adverbs of manner (quickly, carefully) normally go after the verb or after the object.

Focus on the first auxiliary or the main verb to decide where to put the adverb.

Table

Adverb placement with verbs

Adverb type Position Example
Frequency (always, usually, often, never) Before main verb; after auxiliary verb; after 'be' (when be is main verb, adverb after it) I often review the report. / She is always available. / They have often missed deadlines.
Manner (quickly, carefully) After verb or after object Please send the files quickly. / She answered the email quickly.
Degree (very, quite, too) Before adjective or adverb; before main verb for auxiliaries The project is very successful. / We have very rarely seen this.
With modals (can, should, will) After the modal and before main verb She can usually join the call. / They will often request updates.

Tip

Key rule: find the first verb

Decide which verb is the first (or only) verb in the clause. Place the adverb after the first auxiliary or before the main verb if there is no auxiliary. If 'be' is the main verb, place the adverb after it.

  • No auxiliary + not be: adverb BEFORE main verb → I often send reports.
  • Be (main verb): adverb AFTER be → He is usually on time.
  • With auxiliary: adverb AFTER first auxiliary → We have always met the target.
  • With modal: adverb AFTER modal → She can often help.

When in doubt, identify auxiliaries (have, be, will, modals) and put the adverb after the first one.

Example

Examples in context

I often reply to client emails before noon.

The manager is always available for questions.

We have never missed a quarterly target.

She can easily fix the error in the spreadsheet.

Tip

Common mistakes

Watch for these frequent errors when placing adverbs with verbs:

  • Putting frequency adverbs after the main verb in simple tenses: 'I reply often' (less natural) instead of 'I often reply'.
  • Placing adverbs before 'be' instead of after: 'She always is available' (incorrect) instead of 'She is always available'.
  • Putting the adverb in the wrong place with auxiliaries: 'They always have completed' (awkward) instead of 'They have always completed'.
  • Moving adverbs of manner before the verb in formal writing: 'quickly send the file' vs 'send the file quickly' (choose correct position based on emphasis).

Focus on one sentence at a time: identify auxiliaries and then place the adverb.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check the position of frequency adverbs with the main verb.

Quiz

Complete: She _____ on time for every meeting.

Hint: Think about where frequency adverbs go with the verb 'be'.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Identify the auxiliary and place the adverb after it.

Key Points

Vocabulary

always

adverb CEFR A1 //ˈɔːlweɪz//

at all times; every time

She is always ready for client calls.

Vocabulary

usually

adverb CEFR A2 //ˈjuːʒʊəli//

most of the time; in the normal case

The team is usually notified by email.

Vocabulary

often

adverb CEFR A2 //ˈɒfən//

many times; frequently

I often review project timelines in the morning.

Vocabulary

never

adverb CEFR A1 //ˈnɛvə(r)//

at no time; not ever

We have never missed a deadline in the last year.

GrammarPoint

have (auxiliary)

auxiliary verb CEFR B1 //hæv//

used as an auxiliary to form perfect tenses; adverbs of frequency follow the first auxiliary

They have always met their quarterly goals.

GrammarPoint

be (verb)

verb CEFR A1 //biː//

main verb or auxiliary; when be is the main verb, adverbs follow it (be + adverb)

The manager is usually present during reviews.