Time Adverbs

Time adverbs signal moments, durations, frequencies, and sequences, so they guide listeners through an event timeline; using them consistently improves clarity when describing actions or plans.

Adverbs like now, then, today, yesterday, and tomorrow point to a precise or relative time when an event occurs; they often appear at the start or end of a sentence to anchor the action. Here are some common adverbs of specific moment with brief examples:

Adverbs such as for, since, all day, overnight, and lately describe how long an action lasts; they often work with tense to show ongoing or completed time and usually appear after the verb or at the sentence end. Here are common adverbs of duration:

Adverbs like always, usually, sometimes, rarely, and never indicate how often an event happens; they typically appear before the main verb or after to be and help set habits or typical patterns. Here are common adverbs of frequency:

Adverbs such as first, then, next, afterwards, and finally show the order of events and guide listeners through a process or story; they commonly appear at the beginning of a sentence or clause to signal steps. Here are common adverbs of sequence:

Signal words are time adverbs that consistently prompt certain tenses or highlight timing relations; paying attention to them helps choose the correct verb form and maintain clear chronology. Here are key signal words:

Time adverbs divide into specific moments, durations, frequencies, and sequences; using them to anchor when actions occur, how long they last, how often they repeat, and in what order they happen makes your English clear and chronological.