1

Saw your response to a question about Already Was vs Was Already.

I'm a novice writer. A beta reader suggested that I edit to Was Already. The discussion from which I saw your name was a bit vague for me (pardon my inexperience). Below is the sentence in my novel:

He already was two paces away from her; he started stepping backwards as soon as he scribbled her face.

Hope you can enlighten me.

Improve this question
3
  • Saw your response to a question about... Another question here? Then please link to it.
    – user22427
    Commented May 26, 2018 at 13:32
  • I did come across the question. However, responses were varied and contradicting. This is why I posted the exact sentence I wished clarity on.
    – Donna
    Commented May 26, 2018 at 13:54
  • Fine. Still, I repeat, you should refer to that question and explain why that does not answer your issue. You risk getting this question closed as a duplicate.
    – user22427
    Commented May 26, 2018 at 18:42

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

The possible difference in nuance might be

He already was two paces away from her

emphasizes the amount of time passed, where as

He was already two paces away from her

emphasizes the distance between them.

Improve this answer
1

"He already was two paces away from her; he started stepping backwards as soon as he scribbled her face."

I would say that "was already" is the more grammatically correct version.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .