Frequency Adverbs
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens and they shape expectations about routines and habits. This guide goes over common adverbs and how to use them in sentences.
Key Adverbs
Key adverbs range from very frequent to rare, and they give quick clues about timing when you describe an action. Each adverb tweaks the meaning of a sentence by indicating how often the event occurs.
| English Adverb | English Adverb |
|---|---|
| always | sometimes |
| usually | seldom |
| often | rarely |
| frequently | never |
| constantly | occasionally |
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🌡️ I check the weather app before I leave every day. | I always check the weather before I leave. |
| ☕ I usually have coffee while watching the morning news. | I usually have coffee with the morning news. |
| 📨 I sometimes get extra emails during the storm. | I sometimes get extra emails during the storm. |
| 🌧️ I often change my route when it rains. | I often change my route when it rains. |
| 🛑 I never drive without checking the forecast first. | I never drive without checking the forecast first. |
| 🎯 I usually finish my errands early on clear days. | I usually finish errands early on clear days. |
| 🧴 I sometimes carry extra supplies when a storm is coming. | I sometimes carry extra supplies before storms. |
| 📅 I always plan my week around the weather forecast. | I always plan my week around the forecast. |
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Placement
Adverbs of frequency normally go before the main verb, so they sit between the subject and the action, which makes the sentence clear and natural. With to be, the adverb comes after the verb.
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Exceptions
Some adverbs like sometimes can appear at the start of a sentence for emphasis, and adverbial phrases may move to the end to highlight the time or frequency more. Context and rhythm sometimes change placement.
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Expressions
Frequency expressions use amounts or proportions to give more precise information, and they often function like adverbs when placed near the verb. These expressions help quantify how often something happens.
| English Expression | English Expression |
|---|---|
| every day | twice a week |
| three times a month | once in a while |
| daily | several times an hour |
| almost always | from time to time |
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🕰️ I like to check the weather first thing in the morning. | I like to check the weather first thing in the morning. |
| 🌙 I sometimes look at the forecast before going to bed. | I sometimes look at the forecast before bed. |
| 🚗 We usually check the weather before starting a road trip. | We usually check the weather before a trip. |
| 🌦️ They often update the forecast during the afternoon. | They often update the forecast in the afternoon. |
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Summary
Adverbs of frequency guide the listener in imagining how often an action occurs; placing them correctly keeps sentences natural and clear. Learn the common adverbs and practice inserting them between the subject and verb for typical patterns.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025