G5: Adverbs - position in sentence

G5: Adverbs - position of frequency adverbs

by Tom Rohrbach

Multiple Choice Quiz

Frequency adverbs and time expressions can go in several places in a clause or sentence,

and it's hard to know which places are correct. There are SOME rules for this, but sometimes,

the answer depends on 'usage' rather than a rule. Because this topic is so complex, you may

need to ask your teacher for help and explanations...

In the quiz below, you'll see an adverb or time expression first, like "—always—", and then

you'll see a sentence with four positions for it: _[w], _[x], _[y], and _[z]. Read the sentence,

and then try to figure out ALL the correct places you could put the adverb or time words.

Then, choose the best answer. If you choose a wrong answer, you'll see an explanation to

help you understand. Good luck!

—always—
Mom, Laney _ [w] is _ [x] taking my clothes _ [y] without asking _ [z].
1. w only
2. x only
3. y only
4. z only
—usually—
_ [w] the person who is the most calm and rational in an argument _ [x] is _ [y] right _ [z].
1. w only
2. x only
3. y only
4. w OR y
—often—
_ [w] I _ [x] have _ [y] seen American men buying Christmas presents at the very last minute on Christmas Eve _ [z].
1. w only
2. x only
3. y only
4. z only
—usually—
_ [w] we _ [x] take the train _ [y] to work, but not every single day _ [z].
1. w only
2. z only
3. w OR x
4. w OR z
—last week—
_ [w] Chrysler_ [x] announced _ [y] three new car models for 2015 _ [z].
1. w only
2. y only
3. w OR y
4. w OR z
—never—
_ [w] I _ [x] will _ [y] eat at that terrible restaurant again _ [z]!
1. w only
2. x only
3. y only
4. z only
—sometimes—
_ [w] my train _ [x] is _ [y] late in the mornings _ [z].
1. x only
2. y only
3. z only
4. w OR y OR z
—rarely—
_ [w] Harry _ [x] skipped classes _ [y] when he was in college _ [z].
1. w only
2. x only
3. y only
4. z only
—ever—
_ [w] have you _ [x] seen _ [y] such a beautiful sunset _ [z]?
1. w only
2. x only
3. y only
4. z only
—normally—
Something’s up! _ [w] our boss _ [x] comes in _ [y] at 8 a.m., but today _ [z] he came in at 6:30!
1. w only
2. x only
3. w OR x
4. y OR z
—always—
Honey, _ [w] are _ [x] you _ [y] going to _ [z] complain about my mother now that we’re married?!
1. w only
2. x only
3. y only
4. z only
—almost always—
I’m sorry you lost. _ [w] have _ [x] you _ [y] won _ [z] your school’s spelling bees in the past?
1. w only
2. x only
3. y only
4. z only
—soon—
Do you think _ [w] the train _ [x] will _ [y] come _ [z]?
1. w only
2. x only
3. y only
4. z only
—ever—
Maria looks sad again. _ [w] is _ [x] she _ [y] happy _ [z]?!
1. w only
2. x only
3. y only
4. z only