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Adverb placement with multiple auxiliaries.

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Latest post Tue, May 19 2009 7:03 AM by CalifJim. 2 replies.
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BlackBlitz  +  736681 Tue, 19 May 09 12:23 AM
Adverb placement! Quick question.?
I know if we want to place an adverb in the middle of the sentence, it either goes before the main verb or between the auxiliary or main verb.

However, what happens if there are two auxiliaries and a main verb.

This is an excerpt from a very reliable grammar website.

ADVERB PLACEMENT

The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.

Examples:

* You have only been waiting here for one hour.
* Have you only been waiting here for one hour?

So does this mean that manner adverbs (such as carefully) go right after the main auxiliary?

* 12 minutes ago
* - 4 days left to answer.

Additional Details
Okay. Which sentence is correct?

I have carefully been studying for the test.

Or..

I have been carefully studying for the rest.

I'm sure that there's only one correct answer...?
BlackBlitz
Joined on Sat, Mar 28 2009
Junior Member 55
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AlpheccaStars  +  736773 Tue, 19 May 09 01:32 AM
BlackBlitz
“

Okay. Which sentence is correct?

I have carefully been studying for the test.

Or..

I have been carefully studying for the test.

”


Neither is the most natural.

This is the one I would say:

I have been studying carefully for the test.


The adverb carefully describes the manner of study, so I place it immediately  after the root word of the verb (studying).


AlpheccaStars
Joined on Sun, Oct 12 2008
Senior Member 3,508
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CalifJim  +  737211 Tue, 19 May 09 07:03 AM
Adverbs of manner usually go at the end.  Others usually go after the first operator.


[The modal verbs (can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must), be, do, and the auxiliary have  are the operators.  Their negated contracted forms are also operators (can't, doesn't, etc.)]


CJ
CalifJim
Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004
California
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"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche
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