Mastering Indefinite Adverbials of Time (Misplaced Words) is essential for correct English syntax, ensuring your sentences flow naturally and adhere to standard English grammar rules.
What Are Indefinite Adverbials of Time?
Indefinite time adverbials express frequency or time without specifying an exact point. Common examples include always, never, often, seldom, soon, sometimes, scarcely, and hardly. Placing these words incorrectly in a sentence is a common mistake in written and spoken English. For more advanced rules on sentence positioning, you can read our guide on Adverbials of Definite Time (Misplaced Words).
Where Do Indefinite Adverbials Go With Principal Verbs?
As a general rule in English grammar, indefinite time adverbials usually sit immediately before the principal verb in a sentence. Below are examples demonstrating correct versus incorrect placements:
| Correct Sentence | Incorrect Sentence |
|---|---|
| He always speaks the truth. | He speaks the truth always. |
| They will never help me. | They will help me never. |
| It hardly rains in this part of the country. | It rains hardly in this part of the country. |
How to Use Indefinite Adverbials With "To Be" Verbs?
An important exception to the rule above occurs when using "to be" verbs (am, is, are, was, were). In these instances, the indefinite adverbial must be placed after the verb rather than before it.
- Right: He is always late.
- Wrong: He always is late.
- Right: She was never my friend.
- Wrong: She never was my friend.
Key Takeaways
- Place indefinite adverbials (always, never, often, etc.) before principal verbs.
- Place indefinite adverbials after "to be" verbs (is, am, are, was, were).
- Correct placement dramatically improves the natural flow and professional quality of your English writing.
Quick Practice
Test your understanding of Indefinite Adverbials of Time (Misplaced Words) by fixing the following sentence and writing your answer in the comments below:
"She is late always for class."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are examples of indefinite adverbials of time?
Common indefinite time adverbials include words like always, never, often, seldom, soon, sometimes, scarcely, and hardly, which show frequency without exact timeframes.
Do indefinite adverbials always go before the verb?
Not always. While they generally precede principal verbs, they must come after "to be" verbs (such as is, am, are, was, and were).