Third conditional with adverb

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Anonymous  #220503  Fri, 28 Apr 06 09:31 AM

In the following 3rd conditional sentences, which one(s) has the correct position for 'definitely'?

If I had gone to the supermarket, I definitely would have bought some ham.

If I had gone to the supermarket, I would definitely have bought some ham.

If I had gone to the supermarket, I would have definitely bought some ham.

  
Marius Hancu  #220539  Fri, 28 Apr 06 01:09 PM
I think this is the recommended one:
-- If I had gone to the supermarket, I would definitely have bought some ham.
but others are possible:

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When there are two or more verb auxiliaries, the adverb usually goes after the first:
-- You have definitely been working too hard.
But other positions are possible, especially when the first part of the verb  phrase is a modal auxiliary.
-- She could have easily been killed.
OR
-- She could easily have been killed.
[Swan, Practicaly English Usage, p. 25]
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Acme  #220543  Fri, 28 Apr 06 01:16 PM
As a native speaker and EFL trainer , all 3 sound correct to me. The first perhaps sounds slightly more emphatic.  Bear in mind that despite the grammar we are taught, when people actually speak, they tend to simplify this type of construction.
  
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