Do you do something every day, or only once a year? Adverbs of frequency are the simple words we use to answer “How often?”. They are essential for talking about your habits and routines, making your descriptions of daily life much more detailed. 🔁
Function & Usage
We use adverbs of frequency to say how many times an action happens. Think of them like a scale from 100% of the time to 0%.
- Always (100%)
- Usually (approx. 90%)
- Often (approx. 70%)
- Sometimes (approx. 50%)
- Rarely / Seldom (approx. 10%)
- Never (0%)
The Structure (Form)
The position of the adverb is very important. There are two main rules to remember based on the type of verb.
| Rule | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| With most verbs | Before the main verb | I always drink coffee. They never arrive on time. |
| With the verb ‘to be’ (am, is, are) | After the verb ‘to be’ | He is usually late. You are never quiet. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong Word Order: This is the most frequent error. Don’t say, “I drink always coffee.” Remember the rule: the adverb goes before the main verb. Correct: “I always drink coffee.”
- Mistakes with ‘to be’: Don’t put the adverb before ‘is’ or ‘are’. Incorrect: “She sometimes is sad.” Correct: “She is sometimes sad.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: Do you eat breakfast?
Person B: Yes, I always have toast and coffee. I’m never late for my first meal!
Person A: How often do you go to the cinema?
Person B: I rarely go. I usually watch movies at home.
Manager: You did a great job on this report.
Employee: Thank you! I often work late to make sure everything is perfect.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. I walk to work. (90%)
2. He is on time for meetings. (0%)
3. We eat at a restaurant. (50%)
4. She brushes her teeth before bed. (100%)
5. I have seen a movie in the cinema. (10%)
6. He ___ late for class.
7. I ___ listen to the radio.
8. Do you ___ go to the gym?
9. They ___ on vacation in August.
10. She ___ eats meat. She is a vegetarian.
