Indefinite frequency, certainty and completeness
Adverbials in this group most often go in mid-position (before a one-part verb and after an auxiliary verb – for more exact details, (see here).
Adverbials of indefinite frequency: usually, often, etc
usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally, always, rarely, ever, hardly ever, seldom, never
- We usually go to Scotland in August.
- It sometimes gets very windy here.
- I have never seen a whale.
- You can always come and stay with us if you want to.
- Have you ever played American football?
- My boss is often bad-tempered.
- I’m seldom late for work.
- We have never been invited to one of their parties.
- She must sometimes have wanted to run away.
Other positions are possible for most of them.
- Sometimes I think I’d like to live somewhere else.
- I see her occasionally.
Always, ever, rarely, seldom and never cannot normally go in front position.
- I always/never get up early. (not
Always/Never I get up early.)
However, always and never can begin imperative clauses.
- Always look in the mirror before starting to drive.
- Never ask her about her marriage.
For rarely, seldom, never, hardly and scarcely in front position before verb + subject (‘inversion’), (see here).
Adverbials of certainty: probably, certainly, etc
probably, certainly, definitely, clearly, obviously
- He probably thinks you don’t like him.
- It will certainly rain this evening.
- There is clearly something wrong.
- I definitely feel better today.
- The train has obviously been delayed.
Maybe and perhaps usually come at the beginning of a clause.
- Maybe I’m right and maybe I’m wrong.
- Perhaps her train is late.
Adverbials of completeness: practically, partly, etc
completely, practically, almost, nearly, quite, rather, partly, sort of, kind of, more or less, hardly, scarcely
- I have completely forgotten your name.
- Sophie can practically read.
- It was almost dark.
- I kind of hope she wins.
- It hardly matters.
Adverbials of completeness usually follow all auxiliary verbs.
- I will have completely finished by next June. (not
I will completely have finished …) - Do you think the repair has been properly done?
Longer adverbials: from time to time, etc
Longer adverbials do not usually go in mid-position. Compare:
- I sometimes visit my old school.
- I visit my old school from time to time. (not
I from time to time visit …)