Adverbs of frequency help us express how often something happens—from actions that occur always to those that never occur. In this lesson, we’ll explore these adverbs, their usage, and how to use them effectively in sentences.
What Are Adverbs of Frequency?
Adverbs of frequency describe how often an action occurs, ranging from 100% of the time (always) to 0% (never). They can be categorized into:
- General adverbs of frequency (approximate ranges).
- Precise expressions of frequency (exact counts).
General Adverbs of Frequency
Always
Happens 100% of the time.
Example: “I always brush my teeth before bed.”
Nearly Always
Occurs 90–99% of the time.
Example: “She nearly always arrives early to class.”
Usually
Occurs 80–90% of the time.
Example: “I usually go to the gym after work.”
Frequently
Occurs 60–80% of the time.
Example: “We frequently watch movies on weekends.”
Regularly
Occurs 50–60% of the time.
Example: “She regularly attends yoga classes.”
Sometimes
Occurs 30–50% of the time.
Example: “I sometimes go hiking.”
Rarely
Occurs 10–20% of the time.
Example: “He rarely eats fast food.”
Never
Happens 0% of the time.
Example: “I never smoke.”
Placement of Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency are typically placed before the main verb but after the subject. However, when the main verb is “to be”, the adverb comes immediately after the verb. Time phrases (e.g., “in the morning” or “on weekends”) usually come at the end of the sentence.
1. With Regular Verbs
| Subject | Adverb of Frequency | Main Verb | Time Phrase (Optional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| She | always | eats breakfast | in the morning |
| They | often | go jogging | on weekends |
2. With “To Be”
| Subject | Verb “To Be” | Adverb of Frequency | Complement (Optional) | Time Phrase (Optional) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| She | is | always | happy | in the morning |
| They | are | often | late | on Mondays |
Examples with Regular Verbs
- She always wakes up at 6 AM.
- I often read before bed.
- He usually listens to music while working.
- We often have coffee breaks together.
- She frequently goes to the gym.
- They regularly update their blog.
- I sometimes watch movies on Netflix.
- He occasionally bakes cakes.
- We rarely go fishing.
- She hardly ever rides her bike.
Examples with “To Be”
- She is always cheerful.
- He is usually on time.
- They are often busy with work.
- The cat is sometimes playful.
- I am rarely tired at night.
- You are never hungry in the morning.
- She is frequently interested in new books.
- It is hardly ever sunny here.
- He is almost never idle.
- They are always excited for holidays.
Precise Expressions of Frequency
Precise expressions of frequency provide exact details about how often something happens. These phrases are usually placed at the end of the sentence.
Once a Week
Example: “I go to the gym once a week.”
Twice a Month
Example: “We meet for coffee twice a month.”
Every Day
Example: “I drink coffee every day.”
Twice a Day
Example: “He brushes his teeth twice a day.”
Once a Year
Example: “We celebrate this holiday once a year.”
Every Afternoon
Example: “She goes for a walk every afternoon.”
Every Spring
Example: “We plant flowers every spring.”
On a Clear Night
Example: “We stargaze on a clear night.”
Additional Examples:
- She goes to the gym three times a week.
- He drinks coffee twice a day.
- They have meetings every night.
- We go on vacation once a year.
- I water the plants every morning.
- She watches movies every weekend.
- He checks his email several times a day.
- They play tennis every Saturday.
- We read books every evening.
- I attend parties once in a while.
Asking Questions About Frequency
1. Using “How Often”
Use “How often” to ask about the general frequency of an action.
- How often do you exercise?
I exercise three times a week. - How often does she visit her parents?
She visits them every weekend. - How often do they travel?
They travel twice a year. - How often do you read books?
I read books daily. - How often does he play soccer?
He plays soccer every Saturday.
2. Using “When”
Use “When” to ask about specific times or occasions.
Examples with “When”:
- When does she have lunch?
She has lunch at noon. - When do they start work?
They start work on Mondays. - When do you go on vacation?
I go on vacation in summer. - When does he play tennis?
He plays tennis on weekends. - When do we have meetings?
We have meetings every Friday. - When does she study?
She studies in the evenings. - When do you watch TV?
I watch TV after dinner. - When do they visit relatives?
They visit relatives during holidays. - When does he go to bed?
He goes to bed at midnight.
