syntax - Is it incorrect to place the adverb after the verb? "Handsomely win" v. "Win handsomely"

I have seen both forms in usage.

Answer

It's correct. Sometimes it sounds fine in both places. Bold if before, italics if after:

He quickly put on his shoes and left.

He put on his shoes quickly and left.

I ate greedily until my stomach literally exploded. I've been in the hospital for a few days trying to get it sewn back together.

The use of 'literally' here would sound strange if it were after the verb: "my stomach exploded literally". That changes the meaning, actually, from one of "it actually exploded" to "it exploded in a fashion related to letters/literature".

Comments

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