English Club : Learn English : Grammar : Adverbs : Adverb Position

Adverb Position

When an adverb modifies a verb, there are usually 3 possible positions within the sentence or clause:

1. FRONT - before subject NowI will read a book.
2. MID - between subject + verbIoftenread books.
3. END - after verb/objectI read bookscarefully. 

When an adverb modifies an adjective or another adverb, it usually goes in front of the word that it modifies, for example:

 adverbadjective 
She gave him areallydirtylook.
 adverbadverb 
Wequiteoftenstudy English.

The position of an adverb often depends on the kind of adverb (manner, place, time, degree). The following table gives you some guidelines for placement based on the kind of adverb.

Warning: these are guidelines only, and not complete. There are many exceptions.
kind of adverbmainly modifiessentenceusual position
 adverb 
mannerverbsShe stroked his hairgently. END
placeverbsHe was workinghere. END
timedefiniteverbsHe finished the jobyesterday. END
frequencyWeoftengo to Paris.MID
degreeverbs, adjectives and adverbsInearlydied.MID
It wasterriblyfunny.before adjective
He worksreallyfast.before adverb