When we use an adverb with a verb phrase, we usually place the adverb after the first word in the verb phrase. For example:
- The boy has always worked.
- The workers will then understand.
- He will surely have arrived by that time.
When the verb is in the passive form the adverb immediately precedes the principal verb, as for example:
- The work can be quickly finished.
- The obstacles can be readily overcome.
- The lesson must be carefully prepared.
- The workers must be thoroughly organized.
When an adverb of time and an adverb of manner or place are used to modify the same verb, the adverb of time is placed first and the adverb of manner or place second, as for example:
- I often stop there.
- He usually walks very rapidly.
- They soon learn to work rapidly.
If the sentence contains adverbs of time, of place, and of manner; the adverb of time should come first; of place, second; and of manner, third; as:
- He usually comes here quickly.
Exercise 2
Improve the location of the adverbs in the following sentences and observe how the change of place of the adverb may alter the meaning of the sentence: