A mid-sentence adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb and is placed in the middle of a sentence, typically between the subject and the main verb. The placement of these adverbs is not random; it follows specific rules depending on the type of adverb and the sentence structure.
There are three common positions for adverbs in a sentence: front, middle, and end. The mid-sentence position is particularly common for certain types of adverbs.
Common Midsentence Adverbs
Some of the most common adverbs that appear in the middle of a sentence are:
* Adverbs of Frequency: These describe how often an action happens.
* always, often, usually, sometimes, never, rarely, seldom
* Adverbs of Certainty/Probability: These express the speaker's degree of certainty.
* probably, certainly, definitely, surely, maybe
* Adverbs of Degree: These modify the intensity of a verb or an adjective.
* just, almost, barely, nearly, quite, really
Rules for Placing Midsentence Adverbs
The position of the adverb depends on whether the sentence has an auxiliary verb (e.g., be, have, do, can, will).
1. With a Single Main Verb
When a sentence has only one main verb, the adverb usually goes before the verb.
* She always eats breakfast.
* He rarely watches television.
* We definitely need more time.
2. With an Auxiliary Verb
When a sentence has one or more auxiliary (helping) verbs, the adverb usually goes after the first auxiliary verb and before the main verb.
* I have always wanted to visit Italy.
* They will probably be late.
* He can certainly help you with that.
3. With the Verb "to Be"
When the verb "to be" is the main verb in the sentence, the adverb usually goes after the verb.
* He is always happy.
* They were definitely tired after the game.
* The weather is usually nice in the summer.
Important Exceptions and Notes
* Emphasis: Moving an adverb to a different position can change the emphasis of a sentence. For example, "I sometimes go for a run" focuses on the frequency, while "Sometimes I go for a run" places more emphasis on the time.
* Adverbs of Manner: Adverbs that describe how an action is done (e.g., quickly, carefully, loudly) typically go at the end of the sentence, not in the middle. For example, "She finished her work quickly," not "She quickly finished her work." However, in some cases, they can be placed in the middle for stylistic effect, but this is less common.
4. In a QUESTION, the adverbs come directly
after the subject.
5. In a NEGATIVE sentence, most adverbs come
in front of the negative verb (except always and
ever).
6.Always and ever follow a negative helping
verb or negative be.
Negative adverbs (seldom, rarely, hardly ever, never)
are NOT used with a negative verb.
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