Grammar tips

Today we will continue to explore adverbs and their position on the phrase.

Front position

1. Connecting adverbs

• These adverbs join a clause to what came before: then, next, besides, anyway, suddenly, however.

2. Comment adverbs

• Adverbs which give the speaker’s opinion of an action most often go in front position: fortunately, surprisingly, stupidly.

3. Indefinite frequency

• Usually normally, often, frequently, sometimes and occasionally can go in front position (but they’re more common in mid-position).
• Always, ever, rarely, seldom and never cannot go in front position.

4. Time

• Front position is common if the adverb is not the main focus of the message.

*Note: In American English, we generally place a comma after the time phrase (i.e. "In April, ...", while in British English they do not.

We will further analyze end position and mid-position in the following weeks. Not to worry.

Stay tuned for more of Todd's grammar tips in our CACD English Newsletter!!