Frequency adverbs describe how often something happens. They answer the question "How often?" and can refer to routines, habits, or repeated events. In English, a set of common adverbs express different points on a scale from 0% to 100%.

Word/Phrase	Definition
always	100%. The action happens every time.
usually	The action happens most of the time.
often	The action happens many times or regularly.
sometimes	The action happens on some occasions, not regularly.
rarely	The action almost never happens.
never	0%. The action does not happen.

In sentences with one main verb, frequency adverbs usually go before the main verb and after the subject. With "be" as the main verb, frequency adverbs usually go after "be". In verb phrases with auxiliaries or modals, frequency adverbs usually go after the first auxiliary or modal.

Rule
In a simple present sentence, the adverb usually goes before the main verb.
With 'be' as the main verb, the adverb usually goes after 'be'.
With an auxiliary or modal, the adverb usually goes after the first auxiliary or modal.

The simple present tense is commonly used with frequency adverbs to talk about habits and routines. In this pattern, the subject comes first, then the frequency adverb, then the main verb. Third person singular adds -s or -es to the main verb, but the placement of the adverb stays the same.

Rule
Subject + frequency adverb + main verb expresses a routine.
In third person singular, the main verb takes -s or -es, but the adverb stays before the verb.

When "be" is the main verb, the frequency adverb comes immediately after the form of "be." This applies in the present tense (am, is, are) and in the past tense (was, were). The meaning expresses how often a state or condition exists.

Rule
Form of 'be' + frequency adverb + complement is the usual order.
The adverb does not come before 'be' in this pattern.

With auxiliaries such as "have," "will," "can," and "do," the frequency adverb usually comes after the first auxiliary. The main verb follows the auxiliary and the adverb. This pattern keeps the adverb close to the tense or modality that controls the verb.

Rule
Auxiliary or modal + frequency adverb + main verb is the usual order.
In questions with 'do,' the adverb usually follows the subject.

Frequency adverbs describe how often something happens and have typical positions in English sentences. The most common placement is before the main verb or after "be." Consistent word order makes the meaning clear.