The Explanation
Since adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, phrases, clauses, or even entire sentences, they can be placed anywhere in the sentence to be able to function, depending on their type and what it is they are modifying.
If, however, more than one adverb is used to describe a verb, there is a general order in which the different categories of adverbs should appear, which is known as the order of adverbs. This order of adverb is-
Manner
Place
Frequency
Time
Purpose
It is important to note here that although it is uncommon to use all five adverbs in a row to modify the same word, however, if a sentence uses two or three adverbs, then it is best to follow the order mentioned above to avoid sounding unnatural.
Various categories in order of Adverbs
Adverbs of Manner
Adverb of manner is used to define how something happens, how someone does something, or give character to a description. These are usually formed by adding “-ly” to an adjective
e.g.:
Jane sings beautifully.
If an adjective ends in “-ly,” an adverbial function is given to it by simply using it in the prepositional phrase
e.g.:
The team played in a lively manner
Adverbs of Place
Adverb of the place is used to define about an aspect of the location associated with the action of a verb, specifying the direction, distance, movement, or position involved in the action.
e.g.:
He kicked the ball into the field.
Adverbs of Frequency
Adverb of frequency is used to define how often something happens. They are sometimes used to describe definite frequency as well.
e.g.:
Cassie runs four miles daily
Adverbs of Time
Adverb of time is used to define when or for how long something happens. They are similar to but distinct from adverbs of frequency.
e.g.:
I’m going to the math practice tomorrow.
Adverbs of Purpose
Adverb of purpose is used to tell us why something happens. They are generally made up of conjunctive adverbs, prepositional or infinitive phrases, or adverbial clauses.
e.g.:
Jane is exhausted because he was working all night yesterday
As mentioned earlier, the order of adverbs is manner, place, frequency, time, and purpose.
It is unusual to find several adverbs consecutively modifying the same word. However, if we were to make a sentence with all five categories of adverbs together, it looks like this
e.g.:
We have to run quickly (manner) down the lane (place) daily (frequency) after lunch (time) in order to watch the afternoon movie show (purpose).
If we try changing the order of the adverbs, the actual meaning of the sentence change or the original meaning becomes incomprehensible. Although there is not such a drastic shift in meaning for the adverbs of frequency, manner, and time, they still sound awkward and unnatural in the new order.
e.g.:
We have to run daily (frequency) quickly (manner) after lunch (time) in order to watch the afternoon show (purpose) down the lane (place).
Types of adverbs and their order
Manner
They usually go in the end or mid position if the adverb is not the most important part of the clause or if the object is very long.
e.g.:
She quickly ate her lunch and went out
Place
They usually go in the end position or in the front position, especially in writing.
e.g.:
Can you come over here?
We’ll be at that table there.
Time
They usually go in the end position or sometimes in the front position especially if we want to emphasize the adverb.
e.g.:
I’m flying to London tomorrow.
Today, I’m going to wash the clothes
Frequency
They usually go in mid-position or sometimes go in the front or end position.
e.g.:
We often have friends to stay with.
I usually get up late on weekends.
