Positions of Adverbs

One of the hallmarks of adverbs is their ability to move around in a sentence. Adverbs of manner are particularly flexible in this regard.

• Solemnly the minister addressed her congregation.
• The minister solemnly addressed her congregation.
• The minister addressed her congregation solemnly.

The following adverbs of frequency appear in various points in these sentences:

• Before the main verb: I never get up before nine o'clock.
• Between the auxiliary verb and the main verb: I have rarely written to my brother without a good reason.
• Before the verb used to: I always used to see him at his summer home.

Indefinite adverbs of time can appear either before the verb or between the auxiliary and the main verb:

• He finally showed up for batting practice.
• She has recently retired.