By default, place only, just, even, and also after be or auxiliaries and before the main verb, as in she is also a talented singer, but you can move only or even directly before the word you want to emphasize, as in only Maria passed the exam. Just typically sits between the auxiliary and main verb with the present perfect.
Grammar Rule
These focusing adverbs follow be/auxiliaries and precede main verbs by default, but can move directly before the word they emphasize.
Adverb Positioning (Only, Just, Even, Also): Rules and Examples
| Position | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-position (default) | after be/auxiliaries, before main verb | She is also a talented singer. They also arrived late. |
| Before the emphasized word | moves next to what it modifies | Only Maria passed the exam; everyone else failed. I gave John only the invitation, not the gift. |
| just (present perfect) | between auxiliary and main verb | I have just finished my homework. |
Remember: also/just follow be/auxiliaries, precede main verbs; only/even move before the word they emphasize based on context.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below placing only, just, even, and also correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
B2-43. Advanced Adverb Positioning (Only/Just/Even/Also)
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do also and just go by default?
After be or auxiliaries and before the main verb, as in she is also a talented singer.
Where does only move to emphasize a specific word?
Directly before the word it emphasizes, as in only Maria passed the exam.
Where does just go with the present perfect?
Between the auxiliary and the main verb, as in I have just finished my homework.
Why does the position of these adverbs matter?
Because moving them changes which word in the sentence is emphasized.