Adverb Placement

Adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or whole sentences. Common types include adverbs of manner, time, place, frequency, and degree. Each type tends to appear in certain positions.

Adverbs of manner (how something is done) usually come after the verb or after the direct object when there is one. They can sometimes be moved for emphasis. Adverbs of manner often end in -mente.

Adverbs of time (when something happens) typically go at the beginning or end of the sentence. Placing them at the end gives a neutral tone, while the beginning can highlight the time. Time adverbs rarely split the verb.

Adverbs of place (where something happens) usually come after the verb or at the end of the sentence. They follow the same general position as adverbs of manner when there is an object. Moving them can change emphasis.

Adverbs of frequency (how often something happens) normally appear before a single conjugated verb or after an infinitive or gerund. They can also go at the beginning or end of the sentence for emphasis. Placement affects naturalness.

Adverbs of degree (how much or to what extent) modify adjectives, other adverbs, or verbs. They typically appear immediately before the word they modify. Some adverbs of degree can be strengthened by doubling.

When an adverb of frequency or time is used with no, no usually comes before the verb and the adverb after. For adverbs like nunca or siempre, placement determines whether the sentence is negative or affirmative. Adverb position interacts closely with negation.

Sentence adverbs (like quizás, además, por suerte) can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence and often set tone or signal attitude. They sometimes require commas and affect overall emphasis rather than modifying a single word.

Adverb placement depends on the type of adverb and what it modifies. Adverbs of manner and place usually follow the verb or object; adverbs of time often appear at the start or end; adverbs of frequency go before conjugated verbs or after infinitives; adverbs of degree sit next to what they modify; and sentence adverbs can move for effect. Practicing typical positions helps you sound natural and clear.

Adverbs describe how actions are performed, when they occur, where they take place, how often they happen, and to what extent. Using adverbs in normal positions keeps sentences natural and meaning clear.