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.

We use them to talk about habits, routines, and repeated actions.

2. Common Adverbs of Frequency

Adverb	Meaning
Always	every time (100%)
Usually	almost every time
Often	many times
Sometimes	some of the time
Rarely	not very often
Hardly ever	almost never
Never	not at any time (0%)

Frequency Scale

Always → Usually → Often → Sometimes → Rarely → Hardly ever → Never

This is a general guide. The exact frequency depends on the speaker.

I always wake up at 7:00.

I usually wake up at 7:00.

I often wake up at 7:00.

I sometimes wake up at 7:00.

I rarely wake up at 7:00.

I hardly ever wake up at 7:00.

I never wake up at 7:00.

3. Where Does the Adverb Go?

The position depends on the verb. There are two rules: one for the verb be, and one for all other verbs.

With be

Place the adverb after the verb be.

Structure
Subject + be + adverb + information

I am always happy.

She is never late.

They are hardly ever tired.

With other verbs

Place the adverb before the main verb.

Structure
Subject + adverb + main verb + information

I always eat breakfast.

We sometimes watch movies.

He hardly ever drinks soda.

Sometimes

Sometimes can also go at the beginning or end of a sentence.

Sometimes I eat breakfast.

I eat breakfast sometimes.

4. Adverbs in Negative Sentences

The position of the adverb does not change.

Sentence type	Example
Be	She isn't always happy.
Other verbs	I don't often eat chocolate.

Never use not with never, rarely, or hardly ever.

✓ I never eat pizza.

✗ I don't never eat pizza.

Quick check

Try one question now

She breakfast at home.

Check your answer when you are ready.

5. Asking About Frequency

Use How often... ? to ask about habits or routines. Answer with an adverb of frequency.

A: How often do you study English?

B: I usually study English in the evening.

A: How often does she exercise?

B: She never exercises.

6. Other Expressions of Frequency

Some frequency expressions are phrases rather than adverbs.

These usually go at the end of the sentence.

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

7. Quick Summary

Rule	Example
With be, put the adverb after the verb.	She is always happy.
With other verbs, put the adverb before the main verb.	She always studies.
Ask about frequency with How often...?	How often do you exercise?
Frequency expressions usually go at the end.	I exercise every day.

Remember these three rules:

Be → adverb comes after the verb.
Other verbs → adverb comes before the main verb.
Never, rarely, and hardly ever are already negative, so don't add not.

Adverbs of Frequency