Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They are also used to indicate routine or repeated activities.
I always do my homework
These adverbs are usually placed before the main verb but after auxiliary verbs (such as to have, may, must).
Our company frequently has brunches with potential clients
You should always wait for the green light to cross the road
The only exception is when the main verb is to be, in which case the adverb goes after the main verb.
We are usually optimistic
Here are the most common adverbs of frequency:
| Frequency | Adverb of Frequency | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | always | She always helps her mom with dinner. |
| 90% | usually | We usually go out on Fridays. |
| 80% | normally/generally | Shaun normally eats breakfast at 8 a.m. |
| 70% | often/frequently | They often go to their parents at weekends. |
| 50% | sometimes | Peter sometimes forgets his kids` birthdays. |
| 30% | occasionally | I occasionally eat vegetarian food. |
| 10% | seldom | We seldom go on vacation together. |
| 5% | hardly ever/rarely | Meredith hardly ever drinks coffee. |
| 0% | never | They never eat junk food. |
We can also use the following expressions when we want to be more specific about frequency: every day, once a month, twice a year, three times a day, every other week, daily, monthly, annually etc.
I usually eat pizza once a month
If you need to use more than one adverb of time in a sentence, use them in the following order: (1) how long, (2) how often, (3) when.
Peter worked at the mall for 4 days * every week * last year *
I/to invite/sometimes/my friends/over) We/to go/on Wednesdays/occasianally/to the pub) She/to go/in the morning/to the gym/often) Michael/first/to call Ann/usually) My mom/with us/never/to be angry) I/to eat/once a month/pizza/usually) Kate/to work/daily/last month/for 10 hours) –Maggie, you look fantastic!
–Thank you, Liz!
–Have you been working out?
–Yeah! Actually, I usually work out every other day. I think it helps me to always stay in shape. Plus I've noticed that my mood has got better too.
–And do you have a special diet?
-Honestly, no. But I try to eat healthy every day. Of course I can have pizza once in a while but it doesn't happen that often.
Fill in the gaps.
twice a year · annually · occasionally · every other day · seldom
Restore the word order in the following sentences.
I/late/to get up/often/on Saturdays). how often/to travel/you)? when/usually/to go on vacation/you)? Samantha/for work/never/to be late). he/three times a day/not to take a shower).