00 / Adjectives & Adverbs
Adverbs of frequency
Adverbs of frequency describe how often an action occurs, ranging from 0% to 100% of the time. They follow specific word order rules depending on whether the main verb is 'be' or another action verb.
A1Beginner
01 / Overview
Adverbs of frequency indicate the regularity of an event. Common adverbs include always (100%), usually, often, sometimes, and never (0%).
02 / Word Order
Subject + Adverb + Verb OR Subject + Be + Adverb
The position of the adverb depends on the verb type. For most verbs, the adverb sits before the verb. With the verb to be, the adverb sits after the verb.
03 / Examples
04 / Common mistakes
I drink often tea.
I often drink tea.
The adverb must come before the main action verb.
She always is happy.
She is always happy.
When using the verb 'be', the adverb must follow the verb.
I don't never eat meat.
I never eat meat.
'Never' already has a negative meaning; do not use it with 'don't' or 'doesn't'.
05 / Practice
Reorder the words: (sometimes / watches / TV / he)
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Answer: He sometimes watches TV.
Why: The adverb 'sometimes' must come before the main verb 'watches'.
Reorder the words: (always / is / she / tired)
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Answer: She is always tired.
Why: With the verb 'to be', the adverb of frequency follows the verb.
Correct the sentence: They usually are at home.
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Answer: They are usually at home.
Why: The adverb 'usually' must come after the verb 'are'.