Position of adverbs: difference between British and American English

Position of adverbs: difference between British and American English

Mid-position adverbs usually go after auxiliary verbs, after am / are / is / was / were and before other verbs.

• She has never written to me.
• The discussion was mainly about politics.

When there are two or more auxiliary verbs, the adverb usually goes after the first.

• You have definitely been working hard.

In American English, mid-position adverbs are often put before auxiliary verbs and am / are / is / was / were, even when the verb is not emphasized.

• You certainly have made him angry. (US)
• You have certainly made him angry. (GB)
• You are always late. (GB)
• You always are late. (US)
• America has long been known as a land of opportunities. (GB)
• America long has been known as a land of opportunities. (US)

In British English, mid-position adverbs can go before auxiliary verbs and am / are / is / was / were when we want to emphasize the auxiliary verbs.

• I am really sorry. (No emphasis on am.)
• I really AM sorry. (Emphasis on AM)

In negative sentences, mid-position adverbs generally come before not if they emphasize the negative.

Compare:

• I really don’t like her. (Strong dislike)
• I don’t really like her. (Mild dislike)

Please share this with others if you feel it's helpful.