Adverbs of Frequency (A1)

1. What are adverbs of frequency?

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens.

They answer the question: "How often?"

How often do you drink coffee? — I sometimes drink coffee.

How often do you read books? — I never read books.

Using adverbs of frequency allows you to talk about habits, routines, and repeated actions.

2. Common adverbs of frequency

Always (100%)
- Meaning: 100% of the time
  :::example
  I always wake up at 7:00.
  :::
Usually
- Meaning: more than half the time (very common)
  :::example
  I usually wake up at 7:00.
  :::
Often
- Meaning: many times (common)
  :::example
  I often wake up at 7:00.
  :::
Sometimes
- Meaning: on some days / at some times (not always)
  :::example
  I sometimes wake up at 7:00.
  :::
Rarely
- Meaning: not often
  :::example
  I rarely wake up at 7:00.
  :::
Hardly ever
- Meaning: almost never
  :::example
  I hardly ever wake up at 7:00.
  :::
Never (0%)
- Meaning: 0% of the time
  :::example
  I never wake up at 7:00.
  :::

2.1 Frequency scale (general guide)

always → usually → often → sometimes → rarely → hardly ever → never

The order above is a general guide — it helps you understand the meaning of each word. The exact percentage can vary depending on the speaker.

3. Sentence structure

3.1 With the verb "be" (affirmative)

Structure:

Subject → be → adverb → complement

When the main verb is be (am, is, are), place the adverb after the verb:

I am always happy.

She is never late.

They are hardly ever tired.

3.2 With other verbs (affirmative)

Structure:

Subject → adverb → verb → object/rest of sentence

When the main verb is not be, place the adverb before the main verb:

I always eat breakfast.

We sometimes watch movies.

He hardly ever drinks soda.

3.3 Flexible positions: sometimes and often

Sometimes can go at the beginning or end of a sentence. Often can go at the beginning (usually with a comma):

Sometimes I eat breakfast.

I eat breakfast sometimes.

Often, we watch movies at home.

3.4 Negative sentences with "be"

In negative sentences, the adverb still goes in the same position — after be:

She is not always happy.

She isn’t always happy.

3.5 Negative sentences with other verbs

In negative sentences, the adverb still goes in the same position — before the main verb:

I don’t often eat chocolate.

She doesn’t always eat breakfast.

Do not use not with never, rarely, or hardly ever — these words are already negative.

❌ I don't never eat pizza.
✅ I never eat pizza.

4. Asking about frequency

4.1 How often…?

We can ask about frequency with How often…?

Question:

"How often do you study English?"

Answers:

"I always study English."

"I usually study English."

"I sometimes study English."

"I hardly ever study English."

"I never study English."

5. Other expressions of frequency

You can also use phrases to say how often something happens. These phrases go at the end of the sentence.

once a day
:::example
I brush my teeth once a day.
:::
twice a week
:::example
I see my friend twice a week.
:::
three times a month
:::example
I go shopping three times a month.
:::
every day
:::example
I go to school every day.
:::
every week
:::example
We have a meeting every week.
:::

Adverbs of Frequency