Grammar Guide

Adverbs of frequency show how often something happens. They describe the frequency of an action or event.

Some common adverbs of frequency are:

Adverb Typical meaning
always 100% of the time
usually almost always
normally in most situations
generally in most cases
often many times
sometimes on some occasions
occasionally not very often
rarely almost never
seldom almost never
hardly ever very rarely
never 0% of the time

These words help make sentences more specific by showing how often something happens.

When to use

Use adverbs of frequency to talk about:

daily routines
habits
repeated actions
regular events
things that happen often or rarely
facts about someone's typical behavior

Examples:

I always drink coffee in the morning.
She sometimes walks to work.
They never eat meat.
Structure

Adverbs of frequency usually come before the main verb.

Subject Adverb Main verb
I always study.
She often visits her grandparents.
They never watch TV.

With the verb be, the adverb comes after be.

Subject Be Adverb
He is always happy.
We are usually busy.
The books are often useful.

With auxiliary or modal verbs, the adverb usually comes after the first auxiliary or modal verb.

Pattern Example
subject + have + adverb + past participle I have never seen it.
subject + will + adverb + verb She will probably not be here. (Other adverbs may also appear here.)
subject + can + adverb + verb You can always ask.

For common adverbs of frequency such as always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, and never, place them after the first auxiliary or modal verb.

Examples:

I have always liked music.
She can usually help.
We will never forget.
Examples
I always wake up early.
She usually takes the bus.
We often cook dinner together.
They sometimes play football after school.
He rarely drinks coffee.
My parents never forget birthdays.
The shop is always busy.
These students are usually on time.
I have never visited Australia.
You can always call me.
Exceptions

Adverbs of frequency can sometimes appear at the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis, especially sometimes, usually, normally, occasionally, and often.

Examples:

Sometimes I work from home.
Usually we eat outside in summer.
We go to the cinema occasionally.

Always and never are much less common in these positions in everyday English.

Words like every day, once a week, and twice a month also describe frequency, but they are frequency expressions, not adverbs of frequency. They usually appear at the beginning or end of a sentence.

Examples:

I go running every day.
She visits us once a month.
Common mistakes
1. Wrong position with the main verb

Incorrect: I go always to work by bus.

Correct: I always go to work by bus.

Explanation: Adverbs of frequency usually come before the main verb.

2. Wrong position with the verb "be"

Incorrect: She always is happy.

Correct: She is always happy.

Explanation: With the verb be, the adverb comes after be.

3. Wrong position with an auxiliary verb

Incorrect: I never have seen that film.

Correct: I have never seen that film.

Explanation: The adverb comes after the first auxiliary verb.

4. Double negative

Incorrect: I don't never eat fish.

Correct: I never eat fish.

Explanation: Do not combine never with another negative verb.

5. Using a frequency expression like an adverb

Incorrect: I every day study English.

Correct: I study English every day.

Explanation: Expressions such as every day usually come at the beginning or end of a sentence, not before the main verb.