FREQUENCY ADVERBS

FREQUENCY ADVERBS

How often an action happens, either in definite or indefinite terms.

Describes

An adverb that describes definite frequency is one such as weekly, daily, or yearly.

An adverb describing indefinite frequency doesn’t specify an exact time frame

Always

Frequently

Generally

Hardly ever

Infrequently

Never

Normally

How frequently we do an activity.

Uses

We usually put these adverbs in the middle of the sentence, between the subject and the verb.

We can also put them at the very beginning or end of the sentence. This makes them stronger.

To say how often something happens, you can use a number or 'several' or 'many', followed by 'times'.( If the number is one, use 'once' instead of 'one time'. If the number is two use 'twice,' instead of 'two times') Then add 'a' and a period of time

Occasionally

Often

Rarely

Regularly

Seldom

Sometimes

Usually

Grammar Rules

An adverb of frequency goes before a main verb (except with To Be).

Subject + adverb + main verb

An adverb of frequency goes after the verb To Be.

Subject + to be + adverb

When we use an auxiliary verb (have, will, must, might, could, would, can, etc.), the adverb is placed between the auxiliary and the main verb. This is also true for to be.

Subject + auxiliary + adverb + main verb

Examples

I always remember to do my homework.

He normally gets good marks in exams

They are never pleased to see me.

She isn't usually bad tempered.

She can sometimes beat me in a race.

I would hardly ever be unkind to someone

Occasionally, I like to eat Thai food.

I visit my parents once a month.

She hardly ever comes to my parties.

They never say 'thank you'.

Have you ever been to New Zealand?

I haven't ever been to Switzerland. (The same as 'I have never been Switzerland').

We use hardly ever and never with positive, not negative verbs

We use ever in questions and negative statements