Frequency adverbs tell us how often something happens. They help make our sentences more precise by showing the regularity of an action or event.
- Describe how often something occurs.
- Examples: always, usually, sometimes, rarely, never.
- Can be placed in different parts of a sentence depending on emphasis and structure.
Frequency adverbs describe how often an action occurs.
Common Frequency Adverbs
| Adverb | Frequency | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Always | 100% | She always drinks tea. |
| Usually | ~80-90% | We usually walk to work. |
| Often | ~60-70% | He often travels abroad. |
| Sometimes | ~30-50% | They sometimes eat out. |
| Rarely/Seldom | ~10-20% | I rarely watch TV. |
| Never | 0% | She never smokes. |
Common frequency adverbs include always, sometimes, and never.
'Rarely' shows an action happens very infrequently.
Usage and Position
Frequency adverbs are usually placed:
- Before the main verb: She always arrives early.
- After the verb "to be": They are usually happy.
- Between auxiliary and main verb: He has never seen it.
Note: They are not usually placed at the end of a simple sentence unless for emphasis.
Frequency adverbs appear before main verbs, after 'to be', or between auxiliaries and main verbs.
With 'are', place the frequency adverb after the verb: They are always ready.
Frequency Adverbs in Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, place frequency adverbs:
- Between the auxiliary and main verb: She does not usually eat out.
- After 'to be': He is not often late.
Place the adverb between 'not' and the main verb: She does not usually...
In negatives, use adverbs between 'not' and the verb or after 'to be': She does not usually..., He is not often...
Frequency Adverbs and Questions
In questions, frequency adverbs generally come:
- After the subject: Do you often travel?
- After 'to be' in questions: Are they usually on time?
In questions, frequency adverbs come after the subject: Do you often travel?
Correct: 'Do you often...?' and 'Are they usually...?'
Conclusion
Frequency adverbs are key to expressing how often things happen, making communication clearer and more precise.
- They include words like always, usually, sometimes, rarely, and never.
- Placement depends on the verb: before main verbs, after 'to be', or between auxiliary and main verbs.
- They adapt to negatives and questions, ensuring versatility in use.
'Always' means 100% frequency.
Correct usage includes 'She always drinks coffee,' 'They are usually happy,' and 'Do you often travel?'