Adverbs of Frequency

An adverb of frequency is a word that helps us express how often an action takes place. These essential words allow us to describe habits, routines, and repeated actions in our daily lives. When we want to describe how often something happens, we use adverbs of frequency. These adverbs help us express everything from actions that occur all the time to those that never happen. Let’s explore how they work in everyday language.

Basic Usage Examples#

Here’s how we use these adverbs in simple sentences:

• The sun always rises in the east. (This happens 100% of the time)
• Students usually study before exams. (This happens most of the time, around 90%)
• Children sometimes forget their homework. (This happens occasionally, around 50% of the time)

Placement Rules#

Understanding where to place adverbs of frequency is crucial for correct usage. The placement depends on the type of verb being used.

With Regular Verbs#

When using regular verbs, place the adverb before the main verb:

• Birds usually migrate in winter.
• Cats often sleep during the day.

With Auxiliary Verbs#

For sentences with auxiliary verbs, place the adverb after the auxiliary verb:

• You should always check your work.
• They have never visited Paris.

Special Case: The Verb “To Be”#

The verb “to be” follows a unique pattern. Place the adverb after any form of “be”:

• She is always kind to others.
• They are usually at home by 6 PM.
• The cafe was rarely empty.

Frequency Scale and Usage#

Adverbs of frequency can be organized on a scale from 100% to 0%, helping us choose the right word for how often something occurs:

Specific Time Expressions#

For more precise descriptions of frequency, we can use specific time expressions. These help us be exact about how often things happen:

Daily/Weekly Expressions#

• every morning
• twice a week
• every other day

Monthly/Yearly Expressions#

• once a month
• three times a year
• annually

Practice Exercises#

Exercise 1: Understanding Frequency#

Choose the most appropriate adverb for each situation:

always    usually    sometimes    rarely    never

1. The sun _____ rises in the east. (Think about natural laws)
2. I _____ drink coffee in the morning. (Regular but not absolute habit)
3. We _____ see shooting stars. (Uncommon occurrence)
4. She _____ forgets her keys. (Very unusual event)
5. Penguins _____ fly. (Impossible action)

Exercise 2: Placement Practice#

Put the adverb in the correct position:

1. (always) - The library opens at 9 AM.
2. (usually) - They have finished their work by 5 PM.
3. (often) - Is she late for meetings?
4. (never) - We have been to Japan.
5. (sometimes) - Do you work on weekends?

Exercise 3: Understanding Context#

Choose whether these statements are logical or illogical based on frequency:

1. The sun sometimes rises in the east.
2. Professional athletes usually train regularly.
3. Humans never need to breathe.
4. Libraries are generally quiet.
5. Babies rarely cry when hungry.

Exercise 4: Creative Writing#

Complete this diary entry with appropriate frequency adverbs:

Dear Diary,
My daily routine has changed since starting my new job. I _____ wake up at 6 AM now, though I _____ used to sleep until 8. I _____ have time for breakfast, but I _____ grab a coffee on my way to work. My colleagues are nice - we _____ have lunch together, which I enjoy.

Exercise 5: Error Correction#

Fix these sentences by placing the adverb of frequency correctly:

1. I late usually arrive at work.
2. They to the gym often go.
3. She has completed never a marathon.
4. The children playing always are in the park.
5. We watching sometimes are movies.