Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They are used to express the frequency of an action. Here’s a breakdown of the most common adverbs of frequency and their usage:
Common Adverbs of Frequency
Always – 100% of the time
Usually – around 90% of the time
Frequently – around 80% of the time
Often – around 70% of the time
Sometimes – around 50% of the time
Occasionally – around 30% of the time
Rarely – around 10% of the time
Seldom – around 5% of the time
Hardly ever – around 2% of the time
Never – 0% of the time
•Placement in Sentences
Adverbs of frequency usually come before the main verb but after the verb “to be.” Here are some examples:
1. Before the main verb:
She always goes to the gym in the morning.
They usually eat dinner at 7 PM.
2. After the verb “to be”:
He is always on time.
They are usually very friendly.
•Questions with Adverbs of Frequency
When forming questions, the adverb of frequency often goes after the subject but before the main verb:
Do you often visit your grandparents?
Is he always this talkative?
Negative Sentences with Adverbs of Frequency
In negative sentences, the adverb of frequency is placed between the auxiliary verb and the main verb:
She doesn’t usually eat breakfast.
They aren’t often late.
Examples in Different Tenses
•Present Simple Tense:
I always brush my teeth before bed.
They sometimes play tennis on weekends.
•Past Simple Tense:
We often visited our grandparents when we were kids.
He never liked vegetables as a child.
•Future Simple Tense:
I will always remember this day.
She will rarely speak in public
•Intensifiers with Adverbs of Frequency
Sometimes, intensifiers like “very” can be used to modify adverbs of frequency:
She very often goes to the gym.
He hardly ever calls his parents
Practice Exercises
Insert the correct adverb of frequency in the blank:
She ________ (usually/always/never) goes for a run in the morning.
They ________ (sometimes/often/rarely) eat out on weekends.
Rewrite the sentence placing the adverb of frequency correctly:
He is late (never).
They eat fast food (rarely).
Answers to Practice Exercises
She usually goes for a run in the morning.
They often eat out on weekends.
He is never late.
They rarely eat fast food.
This lesson covers the basics of adverbs of frequency, their placement in sentences, and provides some practice exercises to reinforce learning
