subject + adverb of frequency + main verbWith most verbs, put the frequency word before the main verb.
Adverbs of Frequency
A1Use adverbs of frequency to say how often something happens. Put them before most verbs, but after be.
What you'll learn
- Choose the right word from always to never.
- Put frequency words before the main verb.
- Put frequency words after am, is, and are.
- Use never without don't or doesn't.
- Use frequency words to talk about routines.
Structure
subject + be + adverb of frequency + complementWith be, the frequency word goes after am, is, or are.
Build a sentence
Subject
Frequency word
Annaoftenwalks
Anna often walks to work.
Put the frequency word before the main verb.
When to use
Daily routines
Talk about habits and repeated actions in everyday life. Lisa usually walks to work. Tom never drinks tea.
Work and study
Describe repeated actions at work, school, or home. Maria often checks her email before class.
With be
Use the same words with be, but place them after am, is, or are. Anna is always on time.
Markers
alwaysusuallyoftensometimesrarelynever
Common mistakes
Wrong
Maria drinks coffee often at work.
Correct
Maria often drinks coffee at work.
With most verbs, put the frequency word before the main verb.
Wrong
Anna often is late.
Correct
Anna is often late.
With be, the frequency word comes after am, is, or are.
Wrong
He doesn't never cook at home.
Correct
He never cooks at home.
Never is already negative, so do not add doesn't.
Wrong
Tom goes to the gym once a month, so he always goes to the gym.
Correct
Tom goes to the gym once a month, so he rarely goes to the gym.
Choose the word that matches the real frequency, not a stronger word.
Common misconceptions
❝ Frequency words go in the same place in every sentence. ❞
They do not. Put them before most verbs, but after be.
❝ Never needs don't or doesn't because it is negative. ❞
Never already makes the clause negative. Use never alone: She never drives.
Skills in this rule (6)
CHOOSE_FREQUENCY_WORDw4Choose the right frequency word for how often something happens
Use always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, and never to show frequency from 100% to 0%. Pick the word that matches the real situation.
PUT_BEFORE_MAIN_VERBw5Put the frequency word before the main verb
With most verbs, the frequency word goes after the subject and before the main verb. This is the usual place in statements.
PUT_AFTER_BEw5Put the frequency word after be
With am, is, and are, place the frequency word after be, not before it. The order is subject + be + frequency word.
USE_NEVER_WITHOUT_DONTw5Use never without don't or doesn't
Never already makes the sentence negative. Do not add don't or doesn't with never in the same clause.
USE_WITH_ROUTINESw3Use frequency words for routines and repeated actions
Use these words to talk about habits, routines, and repeated situations. They often appear with Present Simple.
SPOT_FREQUENCY_SCALEw3Recognize the frequency scale from always to never
Read the words as a scale: always is the strongest positive and never is zero. Usually and often are high frequency; sometimes and rarely are lower.