Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Are Adverbs of Frequency?
  3. Common Adverbs of Frequency
  4. Position of Adverbs of Frequency in a Sentence
  5. Using Adverbs of Frequency Correctly
  6. Common Mistakes with Adverbs of Frequency
  7. Adverbs of Frequency Exercises
  8. Answers
  9. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on adverbs of frequency in English! Adverbs of frequency tell us how often an action occurs. They are essential for expressing habits, routines, and the likelihood of events. Mastering adverbs of frequency will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English.

This guide is designed specifically for ESL students. We’ll explain what adverbs of frequency are, provide lists of common examples, discuss where to place them in a sentence, and show you how to use them correctly. We’ll also highlight common mistakes and offer exercises to help you practice. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident using adverbs of frequency in your everyday English conversations and writing.

What Are Adverbs of Frequency?

Adverbs of frequency describe how often an action happens. They answer the question “How often?” and can range from “always” to “never.”

  • She always wakes up early.
  • They sometimes go to the cinema.
  • He has never been abroad.

Common Adverbs of Frequency

Here are some of the most commonly used adverbs of frequency, along with their approximate percentage of frequency:

  • Always (100%)
  • Usually (90%)
  • Normally (80%)
  • Often (70%)
  • Frequently (60%)
  • Sometimes (50%)
  • Occasionally (30%)
  • Seldom (20%)
  • Rarely (10%)
  • Hardly ever (5%)
  • Never (0%)

Position of Adverbs of Frequency in a Sentence

The position of an adverb of frequency depends on the verb form:

Before the Main Verb

Place the adverb before the main verb in simple tenses.

  • She often visits her grandparents.
  • They never eat meat.

After the Verb “To Be”

Place the adverb after the verb “to be.”

  • He is always on time.
  • They are sometimes late.

After Auxiliary Verbs

Place the adverb after the auxiliary verb and before the main verb in compound tenses.

  • She has never seen the ocean.
  • They will usually arrive early.

Using Adverbs of Frequency Correctly

Adverbs of frequency are used to express how often an action happens, whether it’s a habit, routine, or occasional event.

Expressing Regular Actions

  • I always brush my teeth before bed.
  • They usually have coffee in the morning.

Expressing Occasional Actions

  • He sometimes goes jogging.
  • We occasionally eat out.

Expressing Rare or Nonexistent Actions

  • She rarely watches TV.
  • I have never tried sushi.

Common Mistakes with Adverbs of Frequency

1. Misplacing the Adverb

❌ They go to often the park.

✅ They often go to the park.

Tip: Place the adverb of frequency before the main verb.

2. Confusing “Hardly” and “Hardly Ever”

❌ She works hardly on her assignments.

✅ She hardly ever works on her assignments.

Tip: “Hardly” means “barely,” while “hardly ever” means “almost never.”

3. Using Double Negatives

❌ He doesn’t never eat vegetables.

✅ He never eats vegetables.

Tip: Avoid using double negatives; use the adverb alone.

4. Incorrect Placement with the Verb “To Be”

❌ She always is happy.

✅ She is always happy.

Tip: Place the adverb after the verb “to be.”

5. Overusing Adverbs of Frequency

❌ They always often visit us.

✅ They often visit us.

Tip: Use one adverb of frequency to avoid redundancy.

Adverbs of Frequency Exercises

Now it’s time to practice! Complete the following exercises to test your understanding of adverbs of frequency.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct adverb of frequency from the list to complete each sentence: (always, sometimes, never, often, rarely)

  1. She _______ goes to the gym after work.
  2. They _______ eat breakfast together on weekends.
  3. I have _______ been to Canada.
  4. He _______ forgets his keys at home.
  5. We _______ watch movies on Friday nights.

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

  1. He is late usually for meetings.
  2. They don’t hardly ever travel abroad.
  3. I go sometimes to the library.
  4. She never has been to a concert.
  5. We are seldomly bored.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite the sentences placing the adverb of frequency in the correct position.

  1. They eat out. (occasionally)
  2. She is happy. (always)
  3. He forgets his homework. (never)
  4. I have been to Spain. (often)
  5. We are tired after work. (usually)

Exercise 4: Choose the Correct Option

Select the correct adverb of frequency to complete each sentence.

  1. She _______ arrives early to class. (never / always)
  2. They _______ go hiking on weekends. (rarely / often)
  3. I have _______ missed a flight. (sometimes / never)
  4. He _______ forgets to call his parents. (frequently / seldom)
  5. We _______ eat dinner together as a family. (hardly ever / usually)

Exercise 5: Write Sentences

Use the given adverbs of frequency to write sentences.

  1. Always
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. Often
  5. Never

Answers

Exercise 1

  1. She often goes to the gym after work.
  2. They sometimes eat breakfast together on weekends.
  3. I have never been to Canada.
  4. He rarely forgets his keys at home.
  5. We always watch movies on Friday nights.

Exercise 2

  1. He is usually late for meetings.
  2. They hardly ever travel abroad.
  3. I sometimes go to the library.
  4. She has never been to a concert.
  5. We are seldom bored.

Exercise 3

  1. They occasionally eat out.
  2. She is always happy.
  3. He never forgets his homework.
  4. I have often been to Spain.
  5. We are usually tired after work.

Exercise 4

  1. She always arrives early to class.
  2. They often go hiking on weekends.
  3. I have never missed a flight.
  4. He seldom forgets to call his parents.
  5. We usually eat dinner together as a family.

Exercise 5

Your sentences may vary. Here are some examples:

  1. I always drink coffee in the morning.
  2. She sometimes reads before bed.
  3. They rarely go to the theater.
  4. We often visit our grandparents on Sundays.
  5. He has never tried sushi.

Conclusion

Understanding and using adverbs of frequency correctly is essential for expressing how often actions occur in English. By familiarizing yourself with common adverbs of frequency and practicing their placement in sentences, you’ll enhance your communication skills significantly.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or would like to share your own sentences using adverbs of frequency, please leave a comment below. Happy learning!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *