Adverbs of Frequency
Learn how to use adverbs of frequency like always, usually, sometimes, and never to talk about how often you do things.
What Are Adverbs of Frequency?
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They answer the question “How often…?”
Example: She always eats breakfast.
Question: How often does she eat breakfast?
Answer: She always eats breakfast. (100% of the time)
The Frequency Scale
Here are the most common adverbs of frequency, from 100% to 0%:
| Frequency | Adverb(s) |
|---|---|
| 100% | always |
| ~80% | usually, often |
| ~50% | sometimes |
| ~20% | not very often, seldom |
| ~10% | rarely |
| ~5% | almost never |
| 0% | never |
Tip: At A1 level, focus on the five most common adverbs: always, usually, often, sometimes, never. Words like seldom, occasionally, and frequently are more formal and less common in everyday English.
Where Do Adverbs of Frequency Go?
1. Before the Main Verb
Most adverbs of frequency go before the main verb.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
She never studies. | never = how often she studies |
I always watch TV before bed. | always = how often I watch TV |
They usually walk to school. | usually = how often they walk |
We sometimes eat pizza. | sometimes = how often we eat pizza |
2. After the Verb “Be”
With the verb be (am, is, are), the adverb goes after the verb.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
He is always tired. | always = how often he is tired |
They are usually late. | usually = how often they are late |
She is sometimes angry. | sometimes = how often she is angry |
I am never bored. | never = how often I am bored |
Remember: Think “BE + Adv” — the adverb follows be.
3. After Auxiliary Verbs
When there is an auxiliary verb (have, has, will, do, does, don't, doesn't), the adverb goes after the first auxiliary.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
She has never been to Paris. | never = how often she has been |
I don't usually drink coffee. | usually = how often I drink coffee |
They will always help you. | always = how often they will help |
We have often talked about it. | often = how often we have talked |
Movable Adverbs
Some adverbs — sometimes, often, and usually — can move to different positions in the sentence. All of these are correct:
Sometimes he is late.
He is sometimes late.
He is late sometimes.
Usually, I eat breakfast at 7:00.
I usually eat breakfast at 7:00.
I eat breakfast at 7:00, usually.
Note: Always and never do not move easily. They almost always stay in the standard position.
”Not Very Often”
This phrase has a special pattern. It goes at the end of the sentence, with not in the auxiliary:
Pattern: do/does + not + verb + ... + very often
She doesn't go to parties very often.
I don't eat fish very often.
They don't call each other very often.
With be, put not after be:
He isn't late very often.
They aren't angry very often.
Formal vs. Common Words
Some frequency adverbs are formal. In everyday conversation, native speakers prefer simpler alternatives:
| Formal | More Common |
|---|---|
frequently | often / usually |
occasionally | sometimes |
seldom | not very often |
We frequently visit our grandparents. (formal)
We often visit our grandparents. (everyday)
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Better | Why |
|---|---|---|
She eats always breakfast. | She always eats breakfast. | Put frequency adverbs before most main verbs. |
They usually are late. | They are usually late. | Put frequency adverbs after be. |
He doesn't never eat meat. | He never eats meat. | Do not use not with never. |
I go not very often to the gym. | I don't go to the gym very often. | Use don't/doesn't + verb + very often. |
Position Guide
| Position | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Before main verb | Standard position | I always eat breakfast. |
After be | BE + Adv | She is always hungry. |
| After auxiliary | First aux + Adv | I don't usually drive. |
| End of sentence | With not very often | I don't go very often. |
Practice: Exercises
Exercise 1 — Choose the Correct Adverb
I ___ eat breakfast at 7:00 AM. (100%)
Summary
- Adverbs of frequency answer “How often?”
- The most common adverbs are:
always,usually,often,sometimes,never - They go before the main verb:
I always eat breakfast. - They go after the verb
be:She is always happy. - They go after the first auxiliary:
I don't usually drive. Sometimes,often, andusuallycan move around in the sentence.Not very oftengoes at the end of negative sentences.
Keep practicing by asking yourself, “How often do I do this?” when you describe routines.