Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency show us how often an action takes place. We use them commonly in daily English so, it is essential to learn them. Read here.
What Are Adverbs of Frequency?
Adverbs of frequency modify a verb to indicate how often the action is done.
Adverbs of Frequency: Types
We have two main categories of adverbs of frequency:
- indefinite adverbs of frequency
- definite adverbs of frequency
Indefinite Adverbs of Frequency
We have six main adverbs of frequency that we use in English. They are called indefinite adverbs of frequency because the exact frequency is not defined.
| Adverbs of Frequency | Percent of Frequency |
|---|---|
| always | 100% |
| usually | 90% |
| often | 70% |
| sometimes | 50% |
| rarely | 5% |
| never | 0% |
Other less common adverbs of frequency are:
- normally → 80%
- generally → 80%
- frequently → 70%
- occasionally → 30%
- seldom → 10%
- hardly ever → 5%
I
I've
I
Definite Adverbs of Frequency
We also have the following adverbs of frequency which are more specific about the frequency of an action, therefore, they are called definite adverbs of frequency. Look at some examples:
using an adverb of frequency in a sentence
- every day
- once a week
- twice a month
- three times a day
- every other day
- daily
- monthly
- weekly
You should water these plants
We meet
The meeting takes place
Adverbs of Frequency: Placement
If the verb is 'to be' the adverb of frequency must be placed after the verb.
She is
Adverbs of frequency are placed before the main verb.
I
If the sentence has any auxiliary verbs like 'do' and 'have,' the adverb of frequency must be placed between the auxiliary and the main verb.
He has
I will
Tip!
In the table below, you can see which adverbs can be placed at the beginning of the sentence and which adverbs better not be used at the start of a sentence (unless for emphasis and literary purposes).
| ✓ | ✗ |
|---|---|
| usually | always |
| normally | seldom |
| often | rarely |
| frequently | hardly |
| sometimes | ever |
| occasionally | never |
I Always I travel with my friend.)
Making Questions and Negatives
To make a sentence negative or to make a question for of the sentence all you need to do is to add not to the auxiliary or to put it at the beginning of the sentence. So there is not a change in the place of the adverbs.
I am
Review
Adverbs of frequency indicate how often an action is done.
They are placed after the auxiliary verbs and before the main verbs.
Comments
