Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They are essential for describing routines, habits, and regular activities. Understanding their position in sentences is crucial for correct English grammar.

1. What Are Adverbs of Frequency?

Adverbs of frequency describe how often something happens. They answer the question "How often?"

Common adverbs of frequency:

always (100%)
usually (90%)
often (70%)
sometimes (50%)
rarely (20%)
never (0%)

2. Position in Sentences

a) With the verb "to be"

Adverbs of frequency come after the verb "to be":

I am always happy.
She is usually on time.
They are rarely late.

b) With other verbs

Adverbs of frequency come before the main verb:

I always eat breakfast.
She usually takes the bus.
They never watch TV.

c) With auxiliary verbs

Adverbs of frequency come after auxiliary verbs:

I have always liked music.
She will never forget.
They can sometimes be difficult.

3. Special Cases

a) "Often" and "Sometimes"

These can be placed at the beginning or end of sentences for emphasis:

Often, I go to the gym.
I go to the gym often.
Sometimes, we eat out.
We eat out sometimes.

b) "Usually" and "Normally"

These are usually placed after the subject:

I usually drink coffee.
She normally works late.

4. Position Rules Summary

Verb Type	Position	Example
to be	after the verb	I am always tired
main verb	before the verb	I always eat
auxiliary + main verb	after auxiliary	I have always eaten
modal + main verb	after modal	I can always help

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Wrong	✅ Correct
I always am happy.	I am always happy.
She never is late.	She is never late.
I always can help.	I can always help.
They always have worked.	They have always worked.

Remember

The general rule: adverbs of frequency come after "be" but before other verbs.

6. Questions with Adverbs of Frequency

In questions, the adverb usually comes after the subject:

Do you often go to the cinema?
How often do you exercise?
Are you always so busy?

7. Negative Sentences

In negative sentences, the adverb comes after "not":

I do not always agree.
She is not usually late.
They will not often visit.

Quick Review

Always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never tell us how often.
With "be": adverb comes after the verb.
With other verbs: adverb comes before the main verb.
With auxiliaries: adverb comes after auxiliary, before main verb.
Special cases: "often" and "sometimes" can go at the beginning or end.

On this page