Adverbs of certainty

Adverbs of certainty state how certain or sure we think about something. Common Adverbs of certainty among others are: certainly, definitely, probably, undoubtedly, surely, clearly, obviously, perhaps, maybe, etc.

Position in a Sentence

Adverbs of certainty are generally placed in the mid-position. See the detail below:

1. If the sentence/clause has a single verb, put the adverb of certainty before the verb.

Examples:

a. He probably needs a help now.
b. I certainly join the competition.
c. She definitely wants that book.

2. If the verb of the sentence is be, put the adverb of certainty after be.
Examples:
a. My boy is probably there.
b. They are obviously dishonest.
3. If the sentence/clause has more than one verbs (consisting of an auxiliary and a full verb), put the adverb of certainty after the auxiliary verb.
Examples:
a. The sun will surely shine brightly today.
b. He has clearly refused us.
4. If the sentence/clause has more than one auxiliary verbs, then the adverb of certainty comes after the first auxiliary verb.
Examples:
a. I have undoubtedly been writing this article for three hours.
b. We will certainly be sleeping at 11.p.m tonight.

Exception

Perhaps and maybe are exceptions to this rule. They are commonly put at the beginning of a sentence or clause.

Examples:

a. Perhaps the train will come late tonight.
b. Maybe she got bored that she left the concert soon.

To see the complete discussion on Adverb (Kinds of Adverbs) just click here!