Word Order Int 2

Preknowledge

- Adverbs (for example always, also, probably) go with the verb in the middle of a sentence:

  • Tom always goes to work by car.
  • We were feeling very tired. We were also hungry.
  • Your car has probably been stolen.

- Study these rules for the position of adverbs in the middle of a sentence (They are only general rules, so there are exceptions.)

 1. If the verb is one word (goes, cooked, etc.), we usually put the adverb before the verb:

Tom   always     goes to work by car.

          adverb      verb

  • I cleaned the house and also cooked dinner. (cooked also)
  • Jack hardly ever watches television and rarely reads newspapers.
  • Ann almost fell over as she came down the stairs.

Note that these adverbs (always/often/also, etc.) go before have to:

  • We always have to wait a long time for the bus.

But adverbs go after am/is/are/was/were:

  • We were feeling very tired. We were also hungry.
  • Why are you always late? You're never on time.
  • The traffic isn't usually as bad as it was this morning.

2. Sometimes a verb is two or more words (can remember, don't study, has been stolen, etc.). We usually put the adverb after the first part of the verb:

verb 1 adverb verb 2
I can never remember his name.
Alejandra doesn't usually smoke.
Are you definitely going to the party tomorrow?
Your car has probably been stolen.
  • My parents have always lived in Mexico.
  • My oldest brother can't cook. He can't even boil an egg.
  • The house was only built a year ago and it's already falling down.

- In negative sentences probably goes before the negative. So we say:

  • I probably won't see you. or I will probably not see you.

- We also use all and both in these positions:

  • We all felt sick after the meal.
  • Jacques and Tomas have both applied for the job.
  • We are all going out to eat tonight.
  • My parents are both teachers.

Put the words in order

Put the words in parentheses into the sentences in the correct order.

Example:  I can never remember his name. (remember / never / can)

1. If we hadn't taken the same train, we each other. (never / met / might / have)

2. We a long time for the bus. (have / always / to wait)

3. James and Martha in Vancouver. (both / were / born)

4. I sugar in my tea. (take / usually)

5. Jim is a good artist. He very well. (sing / also / can)

6. I'm afraid I able to come to the party. (probably / be / won't)

7. My father very generous. (is / always)

8. My eyesight isn't very good. I OR with glasses. (read / can / only)

9. "Where is James?" "He home early." (gone / has / probably)

10. I early tomorrow. (probably / leaving / will / be)

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Rewrite

Rewrite the sentences to include the word in parentheses.

Example: Ana doesn't smoke. (usually)    Ana doesn't usually smoke.

1. (I've got a lot of housework to do.) I must write some emails. (also)

2. Have you been arrested? (ever) Have

3. Did you enjoy the party? (both)

4. I'll be home late tonight. (probably)

5. Does Troy sing when he's taking a shower? (always)

6. We are going away tomorrow. (all)

7. (Don't take me serously) I was joking. (only)

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