Adverbs of frequency are words that describe how often an action takes place. They help provide more information about the frequency or regularity of an activity.
Here are some common adverbs of frequency and how to use them in sentences.
Common adverbs of frequency:
Always:
Example:
I always brush my teeth before going to bed.
Usually:
Example:
She usually takes the bus to work.
Often:
Example:
We often go out for dinner on weekends.
Sometimes:
Example:
Sometimes, I work late at the office.
Occasionally:
Example:
They occasionally visit their grandparents.
Rarely:
Example:
I rarely eat fast food.
Hardly ever:
Example:
He hardly ever exercises.
Never:
Example:
They never forget to celebrate birthdays.
How to use adverbs of frequency?
The following table shows the likelihood of an event occurring, ranging from “Never” at 0% to “Always” at 100%. It helps categorize the frequency of something happening on a scale from rare to common.
| Never | Hardly ever | Rarely | Occasionally | Sometimes | Often | Usually | Always |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 10% | 20% | 35% | 50% | 75% | 85% | 100% |
Placement of adverbs of frequency:
Adverbs of frequency are typically placed before the main verb in a sentence, but after the verb “to be.”
Before the main verb:
Example:
She always arrives on time.
After the verb “to be”:
Example:
They are usually at the park on Sundays.
Using adverbs of frequency:
Making statements:
Use adverbs of frequency to express how often something happens.
Example:
I often go for a run in the morning.
Talking about habits:
Use these adverbs to discuss routines and habits.
Example:
He always checks his email in the morning.
Discussing preferences:
Express how often you prefer to do certain activities.
Example:
I rarely watch TV; I prefer reading.
Expressing negation:
Use adverbs of frequency in negative sentences to indicate the absence of an action.
Example:
She never forgets to water the plants.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Incorrect: I sometimes forgets to bring my lunch.
Correct: I sometimes forget to bring my lunch.
Incorrect: He doesn’t rarely go to the gym.
Correct: He rarely goes to the gym.
By incorporating adverbs of frequency into your speech and writing, you can convey a clearer picture of how often actions occur. Pay attention to their placement and practice using them in different contexts to enhance your communication skills. Happy learning!
