LoginAdverbs of Frequency
Discover the rules for using adverbs of frequency, like 'occasionally', 'frequently', and 'hardly ever'. Detailed explanations and a quiz to test your knowledge.
What Are Adverbs of Frequency?
Adverbs of frequency are a type of adverb used to indicate how often an action or event occurs. They modify the verb in a sentence and provide information about the frequency or number of occurrences of an action or event.
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
Indefinite adverbs of frequency describe the frequency of an action or event in a general, approximate way. They do not provide a specific percentage or number of occurrences, but rather give a sense of how often something happens. We have six main adverbs of frequency that are commonly used in English:
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 sometimes have to stay up late.
I've never been to Paris.
I rarely play any sports.
Definite Adverbs of Frequency
Definite adverbs of frequency provide a specific number of times an action or event occurs. They give a precise measurement of the frequency of an action or event rather than a general sense of how often something happens. These adverbs include:
every day
once a week
twice a month
three times a day
every other day
daily
monthly
weekly
Now pay attention to some examples:
You should water these plants every other day.
We meet monthly to discuss the project.
The meeting takes place once a week.
Adverbs of Frequency: Placement
Adverbs of frequency are placed before the main verb.
I always travel with my friend.
If the main verb is 'to be', the adverb of frequency must be placed after it.
She is usually talkative and friendly.
If the sentence contains an auxiliary verbs like 'do' and 'have,' the adverb of frequency must be placed between the auxiliary and the main verb.
He has always been kind to me.
I will never forget you.
Tip!
The table below shows which adverbs can be placed at the beginning of a sentence, as well as those that are generally better not to appear at the beginning of the sentence unless used for emphasis or literary purposes.
✓ | ✗ |
|---|---|
usually | always |
normally | seldom |
often | rarely |
frequently | hardly |
sometimes | ever |
occasionally | never |
Sometimes he got drunk.
I always travel with my friend. (Not Always I travel with my friend.)
Making Questions and Negatives
To make a sentence negative or to form a question all you need to do is add 'not' to the auxiliary or to move it to the beginning of the sentence. So the adverb does not undergo any changes.
I am not usually late.
Does he often cook dinner?
Review
Adverbs of frequency indicate how often an action is done.
They are placed after the auxiliary verbs and before the main verbs.
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