adverbs: order

Adverbs in the Middle of the Sentence

Many adverbs go in the middle of the sentence, near the verb. This is very common with adverbs like: always, usually, often, sometimes, never, also, just, almost, probably, already, still.

1. With a single-word verb (not “be”)

When there is only one verb in the sentence (and it is not am/is/are/was/were), the adverb usually goes before the verb.

• Emily always drives to work.
• I almost fell.
• They usually eat dinner at 7.

Position: subject + adverb + verb + …

2. With the verb “be” (am / is / are / was / were)

With the verb be, the adverb usually goes after the verb.

• You’re always late.
• The traffic isn’t usually bad.
• She is never ready on time.

Position: subject + be + adverb + …

3. With verbs that have two or more parts

Sometimes the verb has two or more parts (auxiliary + main verb), for example with will, can, have, be, must, should, etc.

In this case, the adverb usually goes after the first verb.

• I can never remember her name.
• The house was only built a year ago.
• They have always lived here.
• We will probably be late.

Position: subject + first verb + adverb + main verb + …

4. “Probably” and negatives

Probably usually goes before a negative auxiliary (won’t, don’t, didn’t, isn’t, etc.).

• I probably won’t see you.
• She probably isn’t coming.
• They probably haven’t finished.

More natural: I probably won’t see you.
Less natural: I won’t probably see you.

5. Using “all” and “both” with verbs

Use all and both in the middle of the sentence, before the main verb.

5.1 With a single-word verb (not “be”)

“All” or “both” go before the verb.

• We all felt ill.
• My friends both live in Chicago.
• The children all want ice cream.

5.2 With the verb “be”

“All” and “both” go after the verb “be”.

• My parents are both teachers.
• The students are all tired.
• We were all very surprised.

5.3 With verbs that have two or more parts

“All” and “both” usually go after the first verb, like other adverbs.

• They have all been invited.
• We must all work harder.
• My sisters are both studying abroad.

6. Avoiding repetition with “will” / “did” in short answers

We often use auxiliary verbs (will, would, can, could, do, did, have, etc.) again to avoid repeating the whole verb phrase.

This is common after adverbs like never.

• I’ve never done it, and I never will.
• She didn’t call me, but I knew she would.
• He never apologizes, and he never did.

In these examples, will, would, did replace the rest of the sentence because it is already clear.

7. Summary of basic positions

• Single verb (not “be”): Emily always drives to work.
• With “be”: You’re always late.
• Two or more verbs: I can never remember her name.
• “Probably” + negative: I probably won’t see you.
• “All/Both”: We all felt ill. / My parents are both teachers.
• Short answers: I’ve never done it, and I never will.