Summary
In-depth Explanation
There are two main types of adverbs of frequency:
Definite frequency: These adverbs indicate a specific number or time (e.g., daily, weekly, once a month, twice a year). For example:
I brush my teeth three times a day.
He visits his parents once a month.
We go out to dinner weekly.
Indefinite frequency: These adverbs give a general sense of how often something happens without specifying an exact number (e.g., always, often, sometimes, rarely).
I often travel alone.
My parents rarely watch TV.
Sara always drinks coffee in the morning.
Common Adverbs of Frequency
Here are some common adverbs of indefinite frequency, listed from most frequent to least frequent.
Adverb of Frequency | Example |
always (100% of the time) | I always brush my teeth before bed. |
usually / normally / generally | We usually have meetings on Mondays. |
often / frequently | They often watch movies together on Fridays. |
sometimes | They sometimes go to the park on weekends. |
occasionally | I occasionally go hiking with friends. |
rarely / hardly ever | He rarely eats breakfast. |
never (0% of the time) | She never drinks coffee in the evening. |
Position of Adverbs of Frequency
The position of adverbs of frequency in a sentence depends on the verb form and type of adverb of frequency.
With most verbs: Place the adverb of frequency before the main verb. For example:
I always wake up at 7 a.m.
She usually studies after dinner.
They rarely eat fast food.
With the verb “to be”: Place the adverb of frequency after the verb. For example:
She is always on time.
They are never late for meetings.
I am often tired after a long day.
With auxiliary verbs (including modal verbs): Place the adverb of frequency between the auxiliary verb and the main verb. For example:
You should always wear your seatbelt.
I have never been to Europe.
He can rarely find time to relax.
In questions: Place the adverb of frequency after the subject. For example:
Do you often travel for work?
Is she usually here on Mondays?
Do they always eat lunch at home?
With adverbs of definite frequency: Place the adverb at the beginning or end of the sentence. For example:
I go to the gym every day.
She calls her parents once a week.
We go on a vacation annually.
Twice a month, they hold a meeting to discuss their progress.
Note: Some indefinite frequency adverbs (like sometimes, usually and occasionally) can sometimes go at the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis. For example:
Usually, he arrives on time.
Sometimes, we go out for dinner on Friday night.
I like to read poetry occasionally.