"Would have assuredly been" or "Would assuredly have been?"

Question

Where does the adverb go in a sentence like the following? Which is correct?

I would have assuredly been stranded.

I would assuredly have been stranded.

This is a duplicate, but can't be flagged because of the bounty. There are good answers here and here, although they are not supported by 'credible and/or official sources.' This question also specifically addresses the use of modal verbs like 'would' with adverbs. — sjy, Apr 18 '18 at 13:37
Christopher, what difference does "Without her" make to you, please?
Where's any research or even opinion supporting either choice?

To me it seems clear, "I would assuredly have been stranded" is greatly preferable… — Robbie Goodwin, Apr 18 '18 at 21:39
@RobbieGoodwin - It doesn't pertain to anything, it was just the sentence I was working with. I have revised the question to exclude the words. — Christopher Issac, Apr 19 '18 at 03:49

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 19 '18 at 02:26

The normal rule for placement of an adverb modifying a verb phrase is following the first auxiliary verb in the verb phrase, like have in the bracketed verb phrase below.

I [have assuredly been there].

However, the verb phrase [would have been stranded] can be broken up into 3 constituent nested verb phrases, each with its own auxiliary verb, thus:

[would [have [been stranded]]]

and applying the rule results in three places to put the adverb, each after the first auxiliary verb in one verb phrase, and therefore grammatical:

[would assuredly [have [been stranded]]]
[would [have assuredly [been stranded]]]
[would [have [been assuredly stranded]]]

The choice is the speaker's or writer's, and individual tastes vary.

score -1 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 18 '18 at 01:32

-1

Both sentences are correct but since assuredly acts as an apposition, it needs to be surrounded by commas. Of course, you could also surround it by dashes.

Alternatively, the first sentence can stay as it is but it will be perceived differently.

answered Apr 18 '18 at 01:32

Krystal

9

adverbs cannot be appositions......really. – Lambie Apr 18 '18 at 16:49

"Would have assuredly been" or "Would assuredly have been?"

2 Answers2