Adverbs of frequency — always, usually, often, sometimes, never
How often something happens, the words that say it, and exactly where they go in the sentence — plus how to ask and answer How often…? questions.
These small words go with the present simple (Unit 15) to say how often something happens — from 100% of the time to 0% of the time. Getting their position right in the sentence matters as much as the word itself.
A — The frequency scale
From always (100%) down to never (0%). Learn the order, not just the words.
| Word | Approximate meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| always | 100% — every time, no exception | I always have coffee in the morning. |
| usually | most of the time | She usually walks to work. |
| often | many times, regularly | We often eat out at the weekend. |
| sometimes | occasionally, not regularly | I sometimes work late. |
| rarely / seldom | almost never — but not zero | He rarely watches TV. |
| never | 0% — not one single time | They never eat meat. |
The rest of this lesson is in the General English course:
- B — Where does the adverb go?
- Remember
- C — How often…? — asking and answering
- Correct vs wrong
Try it: Choose the right position
Where does the adverb go — before the verb, or after be?
- Which is correct?
(a) I always am tired on Monday. (b) I am always tired on Monday. (c) Always I am tired on Monday. - Which is correct?
(a) She cooks always dinner. (b) She always cooks dinner. (c) Always she cooks dinner. - Which is correct?
(a) He is late often. (b) He often is late. (c) He is often late. - Which is correct?
(a) I don't usually drink coffee at night. (b) I usually don't drink coffee at night. (c) I don't drink usually coffee at night. - Which is correct?
(a) He has never been to London. (b) He never has been to London. (c) He has been never to London.
Check your answers in the course — it marks them instantly. This is one of the unit's 5 exercises; the other 4 are in the General English course too.
Practise this unit in the course →