Adverbs of manner tell us how an event happens and adverbs of frequency tell us how often it happens.
Rules and Examples of Adverb Errors
RULE: Put the adverb of frequency before the main verb in a sentence, not after it.
INCORRECT: I go often camping. I took fast my shower. I painted carefully the house. I read sometimes a book before bed.
CORRECT: I often go camping. I took my shower fast. I painted carefully the house. I read sometimes a book before bed.
RULE: Put the adverb after the auxiliary verb.
INCORRECT: She is talking always on her phone.
CORRECT: She is always talking on her phone.
CORPUS LINKS: well, always, often
RULE: Put the adverb after the modal auxiliary verb.
INCORRECT: They probably will understand and try to help you.
CORRECT: They will probably understand and try to help you.
RULE: Do NOT put the adverb of manner between a verb and its object. Place it after the direct object of the verb (or after the verb if there is no direct object).
INCORRECT: I took fast my shower.
CORRECT: I took my shower fast.
INCORRECT: I painted carefully the house.
CORRECT: I painted the house carefully.
Adverb Error Practice Exercises
The activities below deal directly with adverb errors. Here is a link to additional practice activities related to a range of different grammar points.
Other Blog Posts
To learn about other errors and how to correct them, visit my list of 50 common errors or easily confused words. If you need help with fiction writing or essays, Have a look at quoted and reported speech. I also have a blog post about much, many, little, and a lot, which can be confusing for some. If you would like to see something amusing, try eggcorns.
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