Adverbs in initial position
When an adverb is placed in initial position as adjunct, its scope extends to the whole clause. In this position, the meaning may be one of two broad kinds:
• It may be ‘fronted’, that is transferred from its normal position to function as what is traditionally called a ‘sentence adjunct’, having the same status as the other clause elements, though referring to them all together, as in:
Slowly, the rising sun appeared over the distant horizon.
• It may function as (1) a stance adjunct, expressing the speaker’s attitude to the content of the clause or (2) a comment on its truth value 2. Stance adjuncts stand outside the clause structure, separated by a comma.
Seriously, though, you ought to devote more time to preparing for your exams.
Honestly, where we live, we couldn’t do without a car.
Honestly and other similar adverbs such as seriously, frankly, may also function as adjuncts of manner, within the clause:
He doesn’t seem to take exams seriously, does he?
