Consider the following sentences: i) After his surgery, Raja hardly could walk. ii) After his surgery, Raja could barely walk. iii) After his surgery, Raja barely could walk. iv) After his surgery, Raja could hardly walk. Which of the above sentences are grammatically CORRECT?
Consider the following sentences: i) After his surgery, Raja hardly could walk. ii) After his surgery, Raja could barely walk. iii) After his surgery, Raja barely could walk. iv) After his surgery, Raja could hardly walk. Which of the above sentences are grammatically CORRECT? Correct Answer ii and iv
Here the correct answer is ii and iv.Key Points:-
- In the above given options, option 2 and 4 are grammatically correct.
- It is so because 'barely' and 'hardly' here are adverbs which are qualifying the verb 'walk'.
- Barely(adverb) - only just; almost not.
- For Example - She nodded, barely able to speak.
- Hardly(adverb) - scarcely (used to qualify a statement by saying that it is true to an insignificant degree).
- For Example - The little house in which he lived was hardly bigger than a hut.
- Thus, they need to be used before 'walk' to qualify it.
Therefore, the correct sentences are ii and iv.
Additional Information
Whenever a auxiliary verb and a main verb is used in a sentence then the adverb is placed between them to qualify the main verb.
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beginning of clause/sentence |
usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes and occasionally NOT: always, ever, rarely, seldom and never* |
Usually we see him at church. Last night we went dancing. |
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end of the clause/sentence |
usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes and occasionally NOT: always, ever, rarely, seldom and never*
adverbs of time: today, every week, finally, already, soon
adverbs of manner (how something is done): slowly, suddenly, badly, quietly |
We’ve performed there occasionally. Where did you eat yesterday? All the bedrooms are upstairs. Have you taken the TOEFL yet? Have you eaten dinner already?
She sang that aria very well. He drives competently. |
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middle of sentence |
||
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after BE verb
after auxiliary verb before other verbs |
adverbs of certainty: certainly, definitely, clearly, obviously, probably |
They are definitely suited for each other. They’ll probably arrive late. He has apparently passed the class. They obviously forgot to read the directions. |
|
after BE verb after auxiliary verbs before other verbs |
adverbs of frequency: never, rarely, sometimes, often. usually, always, ever
|
He is rarely morose. We have never eaten Moroccan food. He always takes flowers to his girlfriend. She quite often invites people for Thanksgiving. They almost never go to the theater. |
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after BE verb after auxiliary verbs before other verbs |
focusing adverbs: even, only, also, mainly, just
adverbs of time: already, still, yet, finally, eventually, soon, last, just |
He is only five years old. We don’t even know his name. We’ve already eaten dinner. He also rents chainsaws. I am finally ready. He is still planning to go tonight. We just finished painting the house. |
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after BE verb after auxiliary verbs before other verbs |
adverbs of manner (how something is done): slowly, suddenly, badly, quietly |
She is slowly finishing her PhD. He has carefully gathered the evidence. We methodically checked all the bags. |
- Note - Always and never can begin imperative sentences.
- For Examples:-
- Never argue with the referee.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
