Adverbs of frequency are one type of English adverbs. This lesson shows you how to use them correctly.
Let’s get started.
Adverbs of Frequency modify verbs and answer the question, “how often?” Here are some common examples:
- Always
- Almost always
- Usually
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
The adverb must go in front of the verb.
- They rarely play hockey.
- She usually sleeps late on Saturday.
The exception is the adverb sometimes. It can go at the start of the sentence:
- Sometimes they plays hockey.
- Sometimes can also go before the verb:
- They sometimes play hockey.
Questions
You can ask questions with adverbs of frequency. Here are some examples:
- Do you play the piano often?
- Does she usually wake up at 6 am?
The rule is still the same: use the adverb before the verb.
Negative Sentences
Keep the same rule of using the adverb before the verb:
- I don’t usually sleep late.
- He doesn’t always eat breakfast.
You can’t use a negative sentence with a negative adverb, like rarely, or never.