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Placing adverbs

 
 
Reply Sun 11 May, 2014 07:31 am
They say we should never split the verb. So in formal writing, should I always write (1) instead of (2)? BTW, I know the passive voice should be avoided, but in scientific articles it's not always possible. Thanks.

(1) He also was elected president.
(2) He was also elected president.

(1) The mistakes quickly were corrected.
(2) The mistakes were quickly corrected.

Edit: in the second case, I suppose "The mistakes were corrected quickly" works well, but sometimes there is too much distance between the verb and the adverb when the adverb is placed after the verb.
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Type: Question • Score: 3 • Views: 665 • Replies: 3
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View best answer, chosen by Doubtful
dalehileman
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Reply Sun 11 May, 2014 12:05 pm
@Doubtful,
Doubt, I know nothing about verb splitting but there's a possible difference in meaning. For instance

Quote:
(1) He also was elected president.
might mean that several others had also won the post through a process of election, whether serially or somehow simultaneously

Quote:
(2) He was also elected president.
might be interpreted to mean that he had been elected to several other posts in the organization as well
McTag
 
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Reply Sun 11 May, 2014 01:12 pm
@dalehileman,

Well said, Dale.
dalehileman
 
  1  
Reply Sun 11 May, 2014 03:58 pm
@McTag,
Why, thank you Mac. A little encouragement is a rare treat. It isn't everyday…..
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