Position of adverbs of indefinite time

The following usually come at the end of a sentence although they can also come before the verb and (usually to focus interest or for contrast) at the beginning of a sentence afterwards eventually formerly immediately lately once presently recently soon subsequently suddenly then ultimately

I went to Berlin recently I recentlywent to Berlin

Recently I went to Berlin It was very interesting When the verb is be these adverbs usually come after it

/ was recentlyin Berlin

Early and late come at the end of a sentence or clause We arrived at the airport too early/latefor our flight

Another day/time one day (referring to past or future) some day (referring to future) can come at the beginning or the end Some day III tell you III tell you some day

Some adverbs of indefinite time can be modified with only (only just only recently) or with very (very early very recently)

7.25 Position and use of 'still'

Still referring to time emphasizes continuity It is mainly used in questions and affirmatives often with progressive tenses [> 9.20.1] Its position is the same as for adverbs of indefinite frequency [> 7.40]

Mrs Mason is stillin hospital

I'm stillwaiting for my new passport

Tom stillworks for the British Council


7 Adverbs

For special emphasis, it can come before an auxiliary [> 7.40.6]:

Martha still 'isin hospital, you know Used after the subject in negative sentences, still can express dissatisfaction or surprise:

/ still haven t heard from her (Compare / haven't heard from her yet,which is neutral.)

7.26 Position and use of 'already'

Already is not normally used in negative sentences. Its position is the same as for adverbs of indefinite frequency [> 7.40], though it can also come at the end:

This machine is alreadyout of date It is out of date alreadyI've alreadyseen the report I've seen it alreadyTom alreadyknows the truth He knows it already

For special emphasis it can come before an auxiliary [> 7.40.6]: You'd better lock up - I already 'have(locked up)

In the end position, already can emphasize 'sooner than expected': Don’t tell me you 've eaten it already!

7.27 Position and use of 'yet'

Yet generally comes at the end in questions and negatives:

Have the new petrol prices come into force yet?

Haven't the new petrol prices come into force yet?

The new petrol prices haven t come into force yetIn negatives, yet can come before the main verb:

The new petrol prices haven't yetcome into force Yet is often used after not in short negative answers:

Has the concert finished? - No not yetBefore an infinitive, yet has almost the same meaning as still:

Who’II be appointed? - It's yet/stillto be decided