IELTS Adverb Placement for Clarity Practice

Adverb Placement for Clarity

Using adverbs correctly in IELTS speaking and writing can greatly improve clarity and precision. In band scores around 6.5 to 7.5, examiners look for accurate placement of adverbs to avoid ambiguity and maintain natural flow. Misplaced adverbs can alter the meaning or confuse readers. This guide focuses on three main adverb types and their optimal positions to help you achieve clearer, more effective sentences.

Rule Explanation

Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating manner, frequency, degree, or focus. Proper placement ensures your intended meaning is conveyed without confusion. Here are key rules:

• Focus adverbs (e.g., only, just, even) should appear immediately before the word they modify to avoid ambiguity. For example, placing only far from the verb can change emphasis.
• Manner adverbs (e.g., clearly, carefully, slowly) usually follow the main verb or its direct object to describe how an action is performed.
• Frequency adverbs (e.g., always, never, often, usually) typically come before the main verb but after forms of 'be'.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Placing focus adverbs at the end when they should modify a specific word (He said the truth only vs He only said the truth).
• Putting frequency adverbs after the main verb (She arrives always on time instead of She always arrives on time).
• Inserting manner adverbs before auxiliary verbs (She clearly has explained vs She has clearly explained).

Example 1: 'The researcher just completed the final draft, concluding her long study.' Example 2: 'They almost always arrive early to avoid traffic delays.'

Examples

• Correct: She clearly explained the instructions to all participants. Explanation: 'clearly' follows the verb to show manner accurately.
• Correct: They have already submitted their applications. Explanation: 'already' is placed between the auxiliary have and the main verb.
• Correct: He almost always arrives early. Explanation: the frequency adverb 'almost always' precedes the main verb for correct emphasis.

Practice Question

Choose the correct option to complete the sentence with precise adverb placement:

1. The teacher ____ explained the complex procedure so every student could follow.

A) explained the procedure clearly
B) clearly explained the procedure
C) explained clearly the procedure
D) the teacher explained clearly procedure

Show Answer

Answer: B) clearly explained the procedure
Explanation: The manner adverb 'clearly' should come before the main verb 'explained' to ensure immediate clarity and natural flow.

Key Takeaways

• Place focus adverbs directly before the word they modify to avoid shifting emphasis.
• Position frequency adverbs before the main verb but after 'be' for logical flow.
• Use manner adverbs right after verbs or objects to describe actions clearly.
• Practice sentence structure suggestions with Lingo Copilot for more IELTS-focused feedback and improvement.