Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of Indefinite frequency
We use adverbs of frequency to describe how often we do an activity.
​
The most common adverbs of frequency can also be called adverbs of indefinite frequency as an EXACT frequency is not defined
Frequency
100%
90%
80%
70%
Adverb
Example
Always
I always go to church on Sunday
Usually/Regularly
We usually walk home after the service if the weather is good
Normally/Frequently
I normally visit my Gran on Fridays
Often*/ Generally
She often does speaking exercises in English class
50%
Sometimes
I sometimes have to work on Saturdays
20%
10%
5%
0%
Occasionally
We occasionally eat caviar on special occasions
Seldom
Iraq is seldom visited by tourists
Hardly ever/Rarely
Never
We hardly ever see gold cars on the motorway
Vegetarians never eat meat
* Often can be pronounced with or without the "t"
Form
Subject + Adverb + Verb
​
​
Subject + BE + Adverb
Adverb position
An adverb of frequency goes before the action verb
(except with To Be).
-
Subject + Adverb + Verb
Vegetarians never eat meat
​
I regularly run 5 kilometres
​
Adverbs of frequency come after To Be:
-
Subject +To Be + Adverb
I am often tired on Friday night
​
Well you are always working too hard
​
To Be can be used as an auxiliary verb. Adverbs of frequency are placed between the auxiliary or modal verb and the action verb.
-
Subject + auxiliary + adverb + main verb
You should generally try and take more time off
We have never been good friends
​
Some adverbs of frequency can be used at the start of a sentence:
-
Usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally
Sometimes, I like to have a curry
​
Normally, it snows in the winter
​
But the following adverbs of frequency are not used at the start of sentences:
(Hardly) Ever & Never
-
We use hardly ever and never with positive, not negative verbs:
You hardly ever go to the cinema
I have never seen Star Wars
​
​
-
We use ever in questions and negative statements:
Have you ever been to New Zealand?
I haven't ever been to New Zealand
​
-
Always, seldom, rarely, hardly, ever, never
Always I eat turkey at Christmas
​
Never I work on New Year's Day
​