Adverbs of Frequency

From Beginner to Expert - Master How Often Actions Happen

An adverb of frequency describes how often an action happens. It answers: How frequently? or How many times?

Example: "She always arrives early." (How often does she arrive early? Always.)

Core Rules

  • Common adverbs of frequency: always, usually, frequently, often, sometimes, occasionally, rarely, seldom, hardly ever, never.
  • Position in sentence: Usually before the main verb ("She often goes") or after "to be" verbs ("He is usually late").
  • Not exact time: They express habitual or repeated actions, not precise times or dates.
  • Frequency scale: Ranges from 0% (never) to 100% (always).

Frequency Scale & Common Adverbs

Adverb Meaning Approximate Frequency (%) Example
Always Every time / 100% 100% "He always finishes his work on time."
Usually Most of the time / ~80-90% 80-90% "She usually takes the bus."
Frequently / Often Many times / ~60-70% 60-70% "They often visit museums."
Sometimes Occasionally / ~40-50% 40-50% "I sometimes eat out."
Occasionally From time to time / ~20-30% 20-30% "He occasionally plays tennis."
Rarely / Seldom Almost never / ~10-15% 10-15% "She rarely drinks coffee."
Hardly ever Almost never / very rare 5-10% "They hardly ever argue."
Never Not at any time / 0% 0% "I never smoke."

Where to Place Adverbs of Frequency

  • Before the main verb: "She usually arrives early."
  • After the verb "to be": "He is always polite."
  • Between auxiliary and main verb: "They have often visited Paris."
  • After modal verbs: "You should never lie."

⚠️ Avoid placing frequency adverbs at the end unless for emphasis:
✖ "She goes always."
✔ "She always goes."

Advanced Forms & Expressions

1. Using "Once", "Twice", "Three times"

These express exact frequency and usually come with a time period:
- "He visits twice a week."
- "She calls me once a month."

2. Adverbs + Time Expressions

Combine adverbs of frequency with time frames:
- "I often go to the gym in the morning."
- "They rarely eat out on weekends."

3. Negative Constructions

Use "never" or "hardly ever" for negation:
- "She never smokes."
- "He hardly ever watches TV."

4. Intensifiers with Frequency Adverbs

Intensify frequency with words like "almost", "nearly", or "just":
- "I almost always agree."
- "They nearly never arrive late."

Adverbs of Frequency vs. Other Adverbs

Adverb Type Example Focus
Frequency "She often reads books." How often an action occurs.
Manner "She reads quietly." How an action happens.
Time "She reads today." When an action happens.
Place "She reads here." Where an action happens.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wrong placement:
    ✖ "She goes sometimes to school."
    ✔ "She sometimes goes to school."
  • Using frequency adverbs with stative verbs incorrectly:
    Example: "I always love pizza." (Correct)
    But: "I am always being tired." (Incorrect; better: "I am always tired.")
  • Mixing frequency adverbs with exact numbers:
    ✖ "I never go twice to the gym."
    ✔ "I never go to the gym twice a week."

Practice Activities

1. Identify the Adverb of Frequency

Underline the adverbs of frequency:
"He sometimes travels abroad and often visits museums."

2. Correct the Sentences

Fix the adverb placement:
✖ "She is always happy."
✖ "They go never to the park."
✔ "They never go to the park."

3. Write Sentences

Use these adverbs in sentences:
- Usually
- Rarely
- Hardly ever

FAQs

Can adverbs of frequency modify adjectives?

Rarely. They usually modify verbs, but exceptions exist: "The test was very difficult." (Note: "very" is an adverb of degree modifying an adjective.)

Is "often" an adverb of frequency?

Yes, "often" is an adverb of frequency that tells us how frequently an action happens.

Can adverbs of frequency be placed at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, for emphasis or style, e.g., "Usually, I arrive early."

Practice Activities

1. Identify the Adverbs of Frequency

Underline the adverbs of frequency in this sentence:
"She always arrives early and often stays late."

2. Sentence Improvement

Add an adverb of frequency to improve these sentences:
- "He goes to the gym." → "He usually goes to the gym."
- "They call their parents." → "They sometimes call their parents."

3. Correct the Mistakes

Fix the errors:
✖ "She rarely goes never to parties." → ✔ "She rarely goes to parties."
✖ "He always is on time." → ✔ "He is always on time."