Adverbs of Frequency
Learn how to use adverbs of frequency: always, often, sometimes and never.
Answer the following grammar questions.
Adverbs of Frequency
Point 1: We use adverbs of frequency to show how often we do something.
- I always have coffee in the morning.
- I usually eat dinner at home.
- I sometimes eat at restaurants.
- I never drink alcohol.
Point 2: Adverbs of frequency show different levels of how often something happens.
- Always – 100%
- Almost always – 90%+
- Usually – about 80%
- Often – about 60-70%
- Sometimes – about 50%
- Hardly ever / Rarely – about 10%
- Almost never – about 5%
- Never – 0%
Point 3: Adverbs of frequency usually come before the main verb.
- Thomas almost always paints in the evening.
- She usually gets to work early.
- We hardly ever rent movies.
- I never stay out late.
Point 4: When using the verb be, the adverb of frequency comes after the verb.
- He is usually late.
- They are often on time.
- I am sometimes tired in the morning.
- My dog is always happy to see me.
Point 5: Adverbs like sometimes, usually, and often can also go at the beginning or end of the sentence.
- Usually, I read before bed.
- I read before bed usually.
- Often I go there.
- I go there often.
- Sometimes, I play tennis at night.
- I play tennis at night sometimes.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Japan.
I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.