Adverbs of Frequency

The most common frequency adverbs in English are:

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[wps_note size=”17″ background=”#81DAF5″ color=”#333333″ radius=”3″]Note: The percentages here are rough estimates only.Frequency adverbs can be placed at various points in the sentence, but are most commonly used before the main verbs and after be verbs.[/wps_note]

• I always come to work on time.
• They are seldom home when we call.
• He’s usually eating breakfast at this time.
• She’s never been to Maine.

• A: Do you come here often?
• B: Yes. I’m here occasionally.
• A: What do you usually do here?
• B: Sometimes I just sit and ponder the meaning of life.

[wps_note size=”17″ background=”#81DAF5″ color=”#333333″ radius=”3″]Note: The adverbs seldom, rarely, never and hardly ever are considered negative.[/wps_note]

• A: Do you always carry a briefcase?
• B: (Yes,) I usually do.
• No, I usually don’t.
• No, I rarely do.
• No, I hardly ever do.

Other frequency adverbs and expressions are as follows:

• Every day/week/month
• Every other day/week
• Once a week/month/year
• Twice a year/day, etc.
• (Every) once in a while
• Every so often

These expressions are used at the beginning and end of sentences, not before main verbs.

• Every once in a while I visit my grandmother in Minnesota.
• I visit my grandmother in Minnesota every once in a while.
• I every once in a while visit my grandmother in Minnesota. (Incorrect)

These words can come at various points in the sentence.

• I regularly floss my teeth.
• I floss my teeth regularly.
• Traditionally, that was considered child’s play.
• I normally get up around 6 o’clock.
• Normally, I get up around 6 o’clock.

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