Adverbs of frequency: Showing how often something happens

Adverbs of frequency show how often an action or situation occurs. Common examples include always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely and never.

Examples

I usually walk to work.

With an ordinary main verb, the adverb normally comes before the verb.
Mara is often tired after work.

With be, the adverb normally comes after the verb.
They have never visited Portugal.

With an auxiliary, the adverb normally comes between the auxiliary and the main verb.

Frequency adverb vs. frequency expression

Frequency adverb

We often eat outside.

The one-word adverb usually appears near the verb.

Frequency expression

We eat outside twice a week.

The longer expression normally appears at the end of the clause.

Both forms describe frequency, but their normal positions differ. Adverbs such as often stay close to the verb; expressions such as twice a week usually come later.

Some frequency adverbs can move for emphasis

Sometimes, usually and often can appear at the beginning of a clause when the frequency is being framed or emphasized. Always and never are less flexible in ordinary neutral sentences.

Sometimes we take the train instead.

Front position gives the frequency expression extra prominence.
We take the train sometimes.

Sometimes can also appear at the end in informal use.

Common mistakes

She goes always to the gym after work.

She always goes to the gym after work.

With an ordinary main verb, place the frequency adverb before the verb.

He often is late.

He is often late.

With be, place the frequency adverb after the verb.

Quick check

Question 1 of 3

Which sentence places the frequency adverb correctly with a main verb?

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