Hi there!
In this post we are going back to basics as we review adverbs of frequency. Understanding how often something happens is a key part of everyday communication. That’s where adverbs of frequency come in. In this post, we’ll explore what they are, how to use them correctly, and provide examples and questions to test your knowledge.
Enjoy!
Understanding Adverbs of Frequency: A Guide
1. What Are Adverbs of Frequency?
Adverbs of frequency describe how often an action takes place. They answer the question: “How often?”
Common Adverbs of Frequency (in order from most to least frequent):
- Never
- Always
- Usually
- Frequently / Often
- Sometimes
- Occasionally
- Seldom / Rarely
- Hardly ever
2. Where Do They Go in a Sentence?
- In most cases, adverbs of frequency go before the main verb but after the verb ‘to be’.
✅ Before the main verb:
– She always drinks tea in the morning.
– I usually walk to work.
– They sometimes eat out on Fridays.
✅ After the verb ‘to be’:
– He is always late.
– We are usually very busy on Mondays.
– I am never bored in class.
Examples in Context:- – Always: I always brush my teeth before bed.
– Usually: We usually go shopping on Saturdays.
– Often: She often forgets her keys.
– Sometimes: They sometimes play football after school.
– Rarely: He rarely watches TV.
– Never: I never eat meat – I’m vegetarian.
Mini Q&A Practice
Try answering these questions using adverbs of frequency.
Is she late for work?
She is hardly ever late.
How often do you go to the cinema?
I usually go once a month.
Do you ever forget your homework?
No, I never forget it.
How often does he cook dinner?
He often cooks dinner during the week.3.3. Exceptions:
Tips for Learners
Don’t use two adverbs of frequency together:
❌ He always never listens. → ✅ He never listens.
Use them naturally—don’t force them into every sentence.
For added variety, use expressions like “every day”, “once a week”, or “from time to time” to say how often something happens.
Final Thoughts
Adverbs of frequency are simple but powerful tools for talking about routines and habits. By practising with everyday examples and questions, you’ll soon be using them confidently and correctly.
Recommended Practice
Online English course, blog posts and websites with practice exercises:
- Workplace English Confidence – Intermediate Online Course
If you’re ready to use and practise this grammar, improve your general English skills and apply them to real-world professional situations, this course is for you.
Workplace English Confidence focuses on building the skills you need to communicate effectively in an English-speaking work environment.
Learn to make strong first impressions, chat confidently with colleagues, write professional emails, and excel in online meetings. - Review present simple and present continuous
- A Complete Guide (with Examples & Exercises)
- English Grammar Exercises (GrammarBank):
- This website provides numerous free grammar exercises, often with answer keys.
- They have dedicated sections for present simple and present continuous exercises.
- English Grammar Exercises (GrammarBank)
- Perfect English Grammar:
- Seonaid’s site is very popular and has clear explanations and ample exercises.
- You’ll find interactive quizzes and printable worksheets.
- Perfect English Grammar
- Agenda Web:
- this site has a very large amount of online interactive exercises.
- They are categorized by subject, and level.
- Agenda Web
- ESL Games Plus:
- For those who prefer a more engaging approach, this site offers games and interactive activities to practice present tenses.
- ESL Games Plus
Tips for Using These Resources:
- Start with the basics: If you’re a beginner, begin with exercises that focus on the formation of the tenses.
- Check your answers: Always use resources with answer keys to identify and correct your mistakes.
- Practise regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering these tenses.
Relevant courses
