Position of Time Expressions

Position of Time Expressions

(e.g.: recently, now, then, yesterday)

Adverbs of time are usually put at the end of the sentence.

subject	verb(s)	indirect object	direct object	time
I	will tell	you	the story	tomorrow.

If you don't want to put emphasis on the time, you can also put the adverb of time at the beginning of the sentence.

time	subject	verb(s)	indirect object	direct object
Tomorrow	I	will tell	you	the story.

Note that some time expressions are adverbs of frequency (always, never, usually usw.). These are usually put before the main verb (except for 'be' as a main verb). (see also Position of Adverbs)

subject	auxiliary/be	adverb	main verb	object, place or time
I		often	go swimming	in the evenings.
He	doesn't	always	play	tennis.
We	are	usually		here in summer.
I	have	never	been	abroad.

Exercise on position of time expressions

go to Position of Adverbs ►

Position of Time Expressions

Decide where to place the time expressions. (The sentences are similar to allow you to concentrate on the time expressions.)

1.  We went to the cinema yesterday. 
    We went yesterday to the cinema.
    Both sentences are correct.
2.  We often go to the cinema. 
    We go often to the cinema.
    Both sentences are correct.
3.  Next Tuesday I will go to the cinema.
    I will go to the cinema next Tuesday.
    Both sentences are correct. 
4.  They never go to the cinema. 
    They go to the cinema never.
    Both sentences are correct.
5.  She goes every Sunday to the cinema.
    She goes to the cinema every Sunday. 
    Both sentences are correct.
6.  I seldom am at the cinema.
    I am seldom at the cinema. 
    Both sentences are correct.
7.  I don't go to the cinema every week. 
    I don't go every week to the cinema.
    Both sentences are correct.
8.  Francis does not always go to the cinema. 
    Francis does not go to the cinema always.
    Both sentences are correct.
9.  Do frequently you go to the cinema?
    Do you frequently go to the cinema? 
    Both sentences are correct.
10.  My friends didn't go to the cinema on Friday.
     On Friday my friends didn't go to the cinema.
     Both sentences are correct.