Adverb word order
Word order matters in English: subject + verb + object, then usually how + where + when.
One step at a timeRules
Rule 1: Frequency adverbs → before the main verb
always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never go before the main verb. They don't go between the verb and its object.
Pattern: subject + always / often … + verb + object
Example: I usually drink milk at night.
Example: Mert never eats onions.
Rule 2: After be and helping verbs
With am / is / are / was / were, the adverb goes after the verb. It also goes after helping verbs like can, must, should, don't, doesn't.
Pattern: subject + be + always … · subject + can / don't + always … + verb
Example: My dog is always hungry.
Example: I can't always win.
Rule 3: Manner adverbs → after the object
Adverbs like well, fast, carefully, quietly usually go after the verb, or after the object if there is one. Keep the verb and object together.
Pattern: verb + object + carefully / well …
Example: Selin draws horses beautifully.
Example: Close the door quietly, please.
Rule 4: Place → time
When we have a place and a time, the usual order is place first, then time. A time phrase can also start the sentence.
Pattern: verb + object + place + time · Time, subject + verb …
Example: We swim in the sea in summer.
Example: Every Sunday, we visit Grandma.
Common mistakes
I every day play games.→ I play games every day.A time phrase can't go between the subject and the verb.
She always is late.→ She is always late.The adverb goes after be.
He speaks very well English.→ He speaks English very well.Keep the verb and object together.
Position 27 of 32 topics at A2.