2. Adverbs of frequency
Adverbs that change or qualify the meaning of a sentence by
telling us how often or how frequently something happens
are defined as adverbs of frequency.
An adverb of frequency is exactly what it sounds like – an
adverb of time. Adverbs of frequency always describe how
often something occurs, either in definite or indefinite
terms. 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;
examples are sometimes, often, and rarely.
3. These simple rules for adverbs of frequency will
help you to use them correctly:
Always use adverbs of frequency to discuss how often
something happens.
Adverbs of frequency are often used to indicate routine or
repeated activities, so they are often used with the present
simple tense.
If a sentence has only one verb, place the adverb of
frequency in the middle of the sentence so that it is
positioned after the subject but before the verb. For
example: Tom never flies. He always takes the bus.
When a sentence contains more than one verb, place the
adverb of frequency before the main verb. For example:
They have often visited Europe.
When using an adverb of frequency in the negative or in
forming a question, place it before the main verb. For
example: Do you usually get up so late?
4. Adverbs of Frequency List
This list of adverbs of frequency contains many of the
most common; keep in mind though that there are
many other words which can serve in this capacity.
Always Annually Constantly Daily Eventually
Ever Frequently Generally Hourly Infrequently
Later Monthly Never Next Nightly
Normally Now Occasionally Often Quarterly
Rarely Regularly Sometimes Soon Then
Today Tonight Weekly Yearly Yesterday
Yet
5. Examples of Adverbs of Frequency
Each sentence contains an example of an adverb of
frequency; the examples are italicized for easy
identification.
The incubator turns each egg hourly.
We take a vacation at least once annually.
I usually shop for groceries on Saturday mornings.
He is often late for work.
We seldom see John.
My dentist told me I should floss twice daily.
6. The Position of the Adverb in a Sentence
An adverb of frequency goes before a main verb (except
with To Be).
Subject + adverb + main verb
I always remember to do my homework.
He normally gets good marks in exams.
An adverb of frequency goes after the verb To Be.
Subject + to be + adverb
They are never pleased to see me.
She isn't usually bad tempered.
7. 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
She can sometimes beat me in a race.
I would hardly ever be unkind to someone.
They might never see each other again.
They could occasionally be heard laughing.
8. We can also use the following adverbs at the start of a
sentence:
Usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally
Occasionally, I like to eat Thai food.
BUT we cannot use the following at the beginning of a
sentence:
Always, seldom, rarely, hardly, ever, never.
We use hardly ever and never with positive, not negative verbs:
She hardly ever comes to my parties.
They never say 'thank you'.
We use ever in questions and negative statements:
Have you ever been to New Zealand?
I haven't ever been to Switzerland. (The same as 'I have never been
Switzerland').
We can also use the following expressions when we want to be
more specific about the frequency:
- every day - once a month - twice a year - four times a day - every other
week
9.
10. CONNECTORS OF SEQUENCE
If we use the connectors of sequence to order events, is the
following order correct.
First, next, then, after that, next, then, after that, next, finally.
If we use sequence connectors to show the sequence of events
in a composition or a report of an event (more than ten
events), which of the following expressions do you prefer?
1. First, next, then, after that, next, then, after that, next, after
that, then, next, finally.
2. First, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,
ninth, tenth, eleventh, finally.
