In classical Sanskrit, the prefix stands immediately before the verbal form.

a. In the earlier language, however (especially in the Veda; in the Brāhmaṇa less often and more restrictedly), its position is quite free: it may be separated from the verb by another word or words, and may even come after the form to which it belongs; it may also stand alone, qualifying a verb that is understood, or conjointly with another prefix one that is expressed.

b. Thus, sá devā́ṅ é ’há vakṣyati (RV.) he shall bring the gods hither; prá ṇa ā́yūṅṣi tāriṣat (AV.) may he lengthen out our lives; tā́v ā́ yātam úpa dravát (RV.) do ye two come hither quickly; gámad vā́jebhir ā́ sá naḥ (RV.) may he come with gifts hither to us; pári mā́m pári me prajā́m pári ṇaḥ pāhi yád dhánam (AV.) protect me, my progeny, and what wealth we own; yátaḥ sadyá ā́ ca párā ca yánti (AV.) from whence every day they advance and retire; vy àháṁ sárveṇa pāpmánā [avṛtam] ví yákṣmeṇa sám ā́yuṣā (AV.) I have separated from all evil, from disease, [I have joined myself] with life; vi hy enena paçyati (AB.) for by it he sees; ví vā́ eṣá prajáyā paçúbhir ṛdhyate (TB.) he is deprived of progeny and cattle.

c. Three or four instances have been cited from the later language of a prefix separated from, or following, a verb; perhaps the prefix in every such case admits of being regarded as an adverb.