Table of Contents

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

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on adverbs of time in English! Adverbs of time are words that tell us when an action happens, for how long, and how often. They are essential for expressing time-related information, allowing us to communicate events accurately and effectively.

This guide is designed specifically for ESL students. We’ll explain what adverbs of time 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 practise. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident using adverbs of time in your everyday English conversations and writing.

What Are Adverbs of Time?

Adverbs of time modify verbs to express when an action happens, how long it lasts, or how often it occurs. They answer questions like “When?”, “How long?”, and “How often?”.

  • She will arrive tomorrow.
  • They have lived here since 2010.
  • He always wakes up early.

Common Adverbs of Time

Here are some of the most commonly used adverbs of time:

Adverbs Expressing When

  • Today
  • Yesterday
  • Tomorrow
  • Now
  • Then
  • Later
  • Tonight
  • Soon
  • Already
  • Finally

Adverbs Expressing How Long

  • Always
  • Still
  • Yet
  • Just
  • Recently
  • Since
  • For
  • All day
  • Not yet

Adverbs Expressing How Often

  • Often
  • Sometimes
  • Frequently
  • Usually
  • Occasionally
  • Rarely
  • Seldom
  • Never
  • Daily
  • Weekly

Position of Adverbs of Time in a Sentence

The position of an adverb of time depends on what it modifies and the emphasis you want to give.

At the End of a Sentence

Adverbs of time are commonly placed at the end of a sentence.

  • We will meet tomorrow.
  • She arrived late.

At the Beginning of a Sentence

To emphasize the time, you can place the adverb at the beginning of the sentence.

  • Yesterday, I went to the park.
  • Now, let’s start the meeting.

Before the Main Verb

Adverbs expressing frequency (how often) are usually placed before the main verb but after the verb ‘to be’.

  • He always eats breakfast.
  • They are often late.

Using Adverbs of Time Correctly

Adverbs of time help us specify when something happens, its duration, and frequency.

Expressing When

  • We have a meeting today.
  • She will call you later.

Expressing How Long

  • They have been studying English since last year.
  • He waited all day for her call.

Expressing How Often

  • She usually walks to work.
  • We rarely go out during the week.

Common Mistakes with Adverbs of Time

1. Misplacing the Adverb

❌ He goes to bed usually at 11 p.m.

✅ He usually goes to bed at 11 p.m.

Tip: Place frequency adverbs before the main verb.

2. Confusing “Yet” and “Already”

❌ I have yet finished my homework.

✅ I have already finished my homework.

Tip: Use “already” in affirmative sentences and “yet” in negative sentences or questions.

3. Using “Still” Incorrectly

❌ Are you live here still?

✅ Do you still live here?

Tip: Place “still” before the main verb.

4. Overusing Adverbs of Time

❌ She came home late yesterday night.

✅ She came home late last night.

Tip: Use one adverb of time to avoid redundancy.

5. Incorrect Word Order with “Yet” and “Already”

❌ Did you already finish the report?

✅ Have you finished the report yet?

Tip: Use “yet” in questions to ask if something expected has happened.

Adverbs of Time Exercises

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

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct adverb of time from the list to complete each sentence: (always, yesterday, soon, already, never)

  1. She will arrive _______ to start her new job.
  2. I _______ go to the gym on Mondays.
  3. They have _______ finished their homework.
  4. We visited the museum _______.
  5. He has _______ been to Japan.

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

  1. They go often to the cinema.
  2. I have finished my work yet.
  3. She is late always for meetings.
  4. Did you see him already?
  5. He still doesn’t arrived.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences

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

  1. She watches TV. (rarely)
  2. They are busy. (often)
  3. He forgot his keys. (yesterday)
  4. I have been to France. (never)
  5. We will start the project. (soon)

Exercise 4: Choose the Correct Option

Select the correct adverb of time to complete each sentence.

  1. He has been working here _______. (since / for) 2015.
  2. I haven’t seen her _______. (yet / already)
  3. They will move to a new house _______. (last week / next month)
  4. She _______ forgets to lock the door. (always / never)
  5. We met _______. (tomorrow / last night)

Exercise 5: Write Sentences

Use the given adverbs of time to write sentences.

  1. Already
  2. Often
  3. Since
  4. Tomorrow
  5. Just

Answers

Exercise 1

  1. She will arrive soon to start her new job.
  2. I always go to the gym on Mondays.
  3. They have already finished their homework.
  4. We visited the museum yesterday.
  5. He has never been to Japan.

Exercise 2

  1. They often go to the cinema.
  2. I haven’t finished my work yet.
  3. She is always late for meetings.
  4. Have you seen him yet?
  5. He still hasn’t arrived.

Exercise 3

  1. She rarely watches TV.
  2. They are often busy.
  3. He forgot his keys yesterday.
  4. I have never been to France.
  5. We will start the project soon.

Exercise 4

  1. He has been working here since 2015.
  2. I haven’t seen her yet.
  3. They will move to a new house next month.
  4. She never forgets to lock the door.
  5. We met last night.

Exercise 5

Your sentences may vary. Here are some examples:

  1. I have already eaten breakfast.
  2. They often go hiking on weekends.
  3. She has been studying English since 2018.
  4. We are going to the concert tomorrow.
  5. He just left the office.

Conclusion

Understanding and using adverbs of time correctly is essential for expressing when actions occur in English. By familiarising yourself with common adverbs of time and practising 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 time, please leave a comment below. Happy learning!

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