On this page, we will look at adverbs of place. These adverbs tell us where the action takes place. Here are some examples:
- The children are playing football outside.
- John is sleeping upstairs.
These adverbs can also tell us the direction. Here are some examples:
- They are driving south.
- The strong wind is blowing me sideways!
- He looked up at the sun.
Position of an adverb of place:
Position 1: After the main verb (subject + main verb + adverb of place)
- John is sleeping upstairs.
- They are driving south.
Position 2: After the object (subject + main verb + object + adverb of place)
- The children are playing football outside.
- She is eating breakfast in bed.
Here’s a useful list:
- above – The plane flew above the house.
- anywhere – I can’t find my keys anywhere!
- away – She walked away….
- back – …and didn’t look back.
- behind – He hid it behind his back.
- below – He dived below 20 metres.
- down – John’s crying because he fell down.
- downstairs – She walked downstairs to make a cup of coffee.
- far – She lives far from parents.
- here – I am here!
- in – He put it in his pocket.
- indoors – the dog is sleeping indoors.
- near – He lives near the school.
- north/south/east/west – We should drive west.
- off – Take your hat off!
- on – I am putting my coat on.
- out – She’s going out tonight.
- outside – The children are playing outside.
- over – He pushed me over!
- there – I want to take the bus there.
- towards – She moved towards the window.
- under – Hide under the table!
- up – I can’t lift this bag up!
- upstairs – I’m going upstairs to bed.
- where – Where is David?
Now move on to the next page looking at adverbs of time.