Comment adverbials

Comment adverbs and adverbial phrases:

● express how certain the speaker is about something.

Some common adverbs: certainly, definitely, possibly,
probably, undoubtedly.
She definitely happier now than she used to be.

Some common phrases: without a doubt, in theory, in

all likelihood/probability
In all likelihood, the meeting will have to be postponed.

● express the speaker’s attitude or opinion about what

they are saying. Some common adverbs: frankly,
personally, (un) fortunately, obviously, surprisingly,
strangely.
Strangely, I haven’t heard from her since she moved.
(= I think the failure to communicate is strange.)
Personally, I’d prefer not to live abroad.

Some common phrases: quite honestly, generally

speaking, to my surprise
Quite honestly, I don’t think you should have given him
so much money.

Common adverbials expressing opinions often go at the

beginning of a sentence. However, they can also be placed:
 ● in a middle position in the sentence (often after the
subject or after the verb):
Martina, unfortunately, didn’t arrive until midday.
She was, unfortunately, too late for her appointment.

● at the end of the sentence:

Luca is thinking of going to Australia, apparently.

These comment adverbials are usually separated from the

rest of the sentences by commas.