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