Adverbs of time

Adverbs of time

Lizanne Arias, Jacqueline Duque & Katya Sanchez

What is an adverb of time?

Adverbs of time tell us when an action happened, but also for how long, and how often.

They make a reference to time.They modify the verb

They make reference to

Frequency(definite & indefinite)

Points of time (definite)

Relationships in time (indefinite)

Types of adverbs of time

Adverbs that tells us when

Position

However, they can be placed at the begining to emphasize the time.

They usually go at the end of a sentence (this is called a neutral position)

For formal writting they can be placed before the main verb.

Examples

• There was a huge storm during the night. • I’m going to skip classes tomorrow. • I saw Sofia yesterday.

Examples

1. Emphasis on time (begging) Yesterday I finished all of my homework. 2. Neutral Position (End) I finished all of my homework yesterday. 3. Formal writing (before main verb) I yesterday finished all of my homework.

Adverbs that tells us for how long

Position

They are usually placed at the end of the sentence.

Examples

FOR:• I lived in Germany for a year. • Marco is going on vacation for a week. SINCE • I have bene working as a teacher since 1997. • Jessica hasn’t seen Kevin since Monday.

Adverbs that tells us for how often

They express frequency of an action

Position

• They are usually placed before the main verb.
• EXCEPTION: when the main verb is "to be" then adverb goes after the main verb.
• Some can be placed at the beginning or end of the sentence.

Examples

Before the main verb:• I often call my mother. • I never watch scary movies alone. After main verb: • I have always wanted to go to Russia. • I am constantly concerned that I will fail this class.

Stronger vs. Weaker Position

Sometimes: Stronger position: I get lost at my university sometimes. Weaker position: I sometimes get lost at my university.

Thank you!