Learn English – “It can be safely deleted” vs. “It can safely be deleted”

adverbsdifferencesmeaningverbsword-order

Is there a subtle difference between the following two sentences?

  1. It can be safely deleted.
  2. It can safely be deleted.

If they mean the same thing, is one preferred for other reasons?

Best Answer

There's a subtle difference. If you claimed "Fugu can safely be eaten" in Japan (highly poisonous pufferfish) you'd probably be arrested. On the other hand "Fugu can be safely eaten" or "Fugu can be eaten safely" are accurate statements. It can be, provided it's prepared by an expert chef.

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