Adverb Placement

Adverbs can describe manner, time, place, frequency, degree, or cause, and they come in various forms: simple adverbs, adverbial phrases, and sometimes modifiers like très that tweak intensity. Knowing the type helps predict placement.

The most typical position for an adverb that modifies the action is immediately after the conjugated verb, which keeps the sentence clear and natural for adverbs of manner, time, and place. Short adverbs like vite or bien typically follow right after.

Adverbs that modify an adjective or another adverb must come before the word they change; for example, très precedes an adjective and an adverb like tout à fait comes before another adverb to adjust its intensity. This placement ensures the adverb applies to the quality or degree rather than the action.

In compound tenses, simple adverbs usually go between the auxiliary verb and the past participle, so they directly modify the action; adverbial phrases sometimes come after the entire verb phrase for added emphasis. Placement can affect whether the adverb modifies the auxiliary or the main action.

Longer adverbial phrases often move to the beginning or end of the sentence to maintain rhythm and clarity, and they can modify the whole sentence rather than just the verb. This flexibility allows you to highlight time, place, or cause by positioning the phrase where it has the most impact.

Some adverbs are in fixed positions for idiomatic reasons, and moving an adverb can shift emphasis or make the sentence sound unusual; placing an adverb at the very start can add focus, while unusual placement might suggest a stylistic nuance. Pay attention to common patterns and native usage for exceptions.

Adverbs that modify the verb typically follow the conjugated verb, adverbs that modify adjectives or other adverbs come before the word they change, and adverbial phrases have flexible placement at the sentence edges. In compound tenses, short adverbs usually sit between the auxiliary and past participle.