Learning English

Second position adverbs when the verb has an auxiliary

In many verb forms the verb has different elements. For example, in the present perfect we have the auxiliary have/has followed by the past participle of the main verb. 

When we use an adverb in the second position, we put it after the first auxiliary and before the main verb.

• I've rarely seen him so angry.
• He'd already accepted the job before learning he would have to move overseas.

What about modals and second position adverbs?

Modals are words like can, could, shall, should, may, might, must, will and would. They work like auxilaries, so adverbs go after the modal and before the main verb.

• You should never goout without your keys.
• I will always love you.
• You can definitely rely on me.

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Second position adverbs and questions

When we make a question we put the adverb after the question word and between the subject and the main verb.

• Have you ever tried eating snails?
• Would you really like it if I came to stay?

What about negatives?

In negative sentences put the adverb after the auxiliary/modal and negative word and before the main verb.

• I don’t usually like going out on weeknights.
• They won’t always let you in after midnight.

To do

Have a go at this little quiz. I'm sure you won't find it too difficult. Just follow the rules we've covered.

Next

Now you've finshed this page, why not listen to Callum, Catherine and Finn in 6 Minute Grammar. In this programme they're talking about - you guessed it: adverbs.