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
Adverbs of frequency can be classified into two groups:
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; rather, they give a sense of how often something happens. The table below gives a list of common adverbs of indefinite frequency in English along with the approximate percentage of occurrence they represent.
Adverbs of Frequency | Percent of Frequency |
|---|---|
always | 100% |
usually/normally | 75-90% |
often/frequently | 50-75% |
sometimes/occasionally | 25-50% |
rarely/seldom/hardly ever | 5-25% |
never | 0% |
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 specify a specific number of times an action or event occurs within a time span. 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
quarterly
annually
Now take a look at 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
Indefinite Adverbs of Frequency
Indefinite adverbs of frequency are normally placed in the middle position, which is before the main verb.
I always travel with my friend.
However, 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 verb like 'do' or 'have,' or a modal verb, the adverb of frequency must be placed between the auxiliary/modal 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.)
Definite Adverbs of Frequency
Definite adverbs of frequency typically come after the verb or its complements (end position) or, less commonly, before the subject (initial position). These adverbs are not used in the middle position.
He checks his email every hour.
The team meets three times a week to discuss progress.
Notice that the end position does not mean end of the sentence; rather, it refers to the position after the verb or its complements. Here "to dicuss progress" is an adjunct, not a complement.
The committee reviews the policy quarterly.
Every morning, she reads the news.
Adverbs of Frequency in Questions
In formation of yes/no questions, the auxiliary or modal moves before the subject, but the indefinite adverb of frequency remains in its original place before the main verb.
They have always been good friends. → Have they always been good friends?
When the main verb is 'to be,' it moves before the subject to form the question; however, the indefinite adverb of frequency once again remains in its original position. For example:
He's always angry. → Is he always angry?
They are usually home on weekends. → Are they usually home on weekends?
Review
Adverbs of frequency indicate how often an action is done.
These adverbs can be divided into two groups:
Indefinite Adverbs of Frequency: always, often, sometimes, never → Typically come in the middle position.
Definite Adverbs of Frequency: every day, once a week, monthly, twice a month → Typically come in the end position.
Quiz:
Fill the blanks with the correct adverb of frequency according to the percentage of frequency indicated in parentheses. (There is one extra option.)
They
take the 8:00 AM train. (75-90%)
I
eat fast food. (5-25%)
She
brushes her teeth before bed. (100%)
He
forgets his keys. (25-50%)
My cat
jumps on the table. (0%)
Fill the table by identifying whether each adverb shows definite or indefinite frequency.
Take the medicine twice a day. | |
Our book club meets every other week. | |
They are normally on time. | |
He frequently checks his email at work. | |
The festival happens annually. |
Which sentence is incorrect?
They go to the gym twice a week.
Every morning, he drinks coffee.
She checks her email hourly.
He weekly visits his grandparents.
Match each incomplete sentence with the correct ending.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
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