Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something is done.
Adverbs of frequency include; always, constantly, continually, frequently, infrequently, intermittently, normally, occasionally, often, periodically, rarely, regularly, seldom, sometimes etc.
For example:
I always do my homework on time. - In this sentence always shows us the frequency (how often) I do my homework on time.
She goes out occasionally. - In this sentence occasionally shows us the frequency (how often) she goes out.
Most frequent | always |
---|---|
constantly | |
nearly always | |
almost always | |
usually | |
generally | |
normally | |
regularly | |
often | |
frequently | |
sometimes | |
periodically | |
occasionally | |
now and then | |
once in a while | |
rarely | |
seldom | |
infrequently | |
hardly ever | |
scarcely ever | |
almost never | |
Least frequent | never |
Adverbs of frequency appear between the subject and the verb in a sentence:-
For example:
I always update the calendar at the beginning of the month.
Poetria often takes notes during the Skype sessions.
Adverbs of frequency appear after a form of the to be - am, are, is (was, were) in a sentence:-
For example:
I am never late.
Skype is occasionally frustrating.
They were always noisy.
Adverbs of frequency go between an auxiliary verb and the main verb:-
For example:
Anne doesn't usually smoke.
If there are two auxiliary verbs, the adverb of frequency goes between them:-
For example:
I have never been to Asia.
The adverbs of frequency often, usually, sometimes and occasionally can go at the beginning of a sentence:-
For example:
Usually I don't give personal advice. = I don't usually give personal advice.
Occasionally we go for a drive on a Sunday. = We occasionally go for a drive on a Sunday.
Adverbs of frequency go before the verbs used to or have to:-
For example:
I always used to celebrate bonfire night.
I usually have to get up early to walk Laika.
When something happens regularly at a fixed time we can use the following as adverbs:-
Every day | = |
Daily |
---|---|---|
Every week | = | Weekly |
Ever fortnight (two weeks) | = | Fortnightly |
Every month | = | Monthly |
Every year | = | Yearly/Annually |
For example:
I get a newspaper every day. = I get the newspaper daily.
I pay my rent every month. = I pay my rent monthly.