Where adverbs go: also, already and even

I also like tea, she's still at work, he probably won't come: the middle place for short adverbs in a sentence.

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Short adverbs like also, still, already, just, probably, even and only usually go in the middle of the sentence: before the main verb, but after be and after the first auxiliary verb. It is the same place as always and never, which you met at A1. They don't go between a verb and its object.

The middle place

Sentence	Where the adverb goes
I also like tea.	before the main verb
She is also a teacher.	after am, is, are, was, were
We have also been to Rome.	after the first auxiliary
You can also pay by card.	after a modal verb

My brother also speaks Spanish.
They are still at the airport.
I've already seen this film.
Incorrect: I like also tea.
Correct: I also like tea.
Also goes before the main verb, not between the verb and its object.
Incorrect: She speaks also French.
Correct: She also speaks French. / She speaks French too.

Also, too and as well

Also goes in the middle. Too and as well mean the same, but they go at the end, and they are more common in speech.

I also play the guitar.
I play the guitar too.
I play the guitar as well.

At the start of a sentence, Also, with a comma adds one more point, mostly in speech and in informal writing: Also, we need to buy milk.

Still and already

Still means that something continues. Already means "before now, or sooner than expected". Both go in the middle.

Do you still live in Kazan?
The shop is still closed.
We have already paid for the tickets.

In a negative sentence, still goes before the auxiliary. It often shows surprise or impatience.

I still haven't finished my report.
She still doesn't know the answer.
Incorrect: I haven't still finished my report.
Correct: I still haven't finished my report.
With a negative, still goes before haven't.

Already can also go at the end, often with surprise: Have you finished already? Yet goes at the end of questions and negatives, as on the present perfect page.

Probably and definitely

Probably and definitely usually go after will but before won't.

He'll probably come.
He probably won't come.
I'll definitely call you tomorrow.
Incorrect: He won't probably come.
Correct: He probably won't come.
With won't, probably goes before it.

Only and even

Only and even often go in the middle too, before the main verb. Even shows that something is surprising.

I only drink coffee in the morning.
He didn't even say goodbye.
My grandmother even uses Instagram.

Both can also go straight before the word they are about, to make the meaning clear: Only Anna knew the answer. Even my grandmother uses Instagram.

Incorrect: He didn't say even goodbye.
Correct: He didn't even say goodbye.
Even goes before the main verb, after didn't.

Longer phrases go at the end

Longer phrases of time, place and manner, like every day, at home, very well, last week, usually go at the end, not in the middle.

I go swimming twice a week.
She speaks English very well.

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Where this rule sits

All B1 rules Adjectives and adverbs: all rules

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Adverbs of frequencyA1Beginner