Adverbs of Frequency

Meaning
Some of the more common adverbs of frequency include the following:
 100% of the time = always
 85% of the time = almost always,
 45% of the time = usually, generally, frequently, often
 30% of the time = sometimes, occasionally
 10% of the time = seldom, rarely, hardly ever, almost never
 0% of the time = never, not ever
EVER: to ask a question about frequency. It means "at any time."

Adverbs of frequency tell HOW OFTEN an action is repeated. They are commonly used with present or
past tense. Use "ever" to ask a question.
Examples:
 I usually do my homework in the library.
 I never do my homework in the living room.
 She seldom went to parties alone.

Using adverbs of frequency
When someone asks you a question such as "Do you EVER forget to make your bed?", you can answer
using an adverb of frequency:
 Yes, I occasionally forget to make my bed" OR
 Yes, I sometimes do. OR
 No, I never do.
However, if someone asks "HOW OFTEN" an action occurs, you should include an expression of time
in your answer -- not simply an adverb of frequency.
Example: How often do you go to the bank? I (usually) go to the bank once a month.

Exercise 1:
Circle the adverbs of frequency in the following sentence.
1. John usually gets good grades because he always studies before an exam.
2. Charlie rarely wakes up early in the morning. He is often late to work, and his boss is frequently
upset with him.
3. Professor Mitchell's class is never boring. He always finds ways to keep the students interested in
the day's lessons.

Placement of adverbs of frequency

Frequency adverbs are placed ...
BEFORE the main verb unless the verb is BE.
I always study in the library when I have an exam.

AFTER the verb "Be".

I am always tired after classes.

Rule: Never put an adverb between the main verb and its object.
Wrong: I give almost always the dog a bath on Saturday.
Correct: I almost always give the dog a bath on Saturday.

1) Rewrite the complete sentence using the adverb in brackets in its correct position.
Example: I play tennis on Sundays. (often)
Answer: I often play tennis on Sundays.
a) He listens to the radio. (often)_____________________________________________________
b) They read a book. (sometimes) ____________________________________________________
c) Pete gets angry. (never) __________________________________________________________
d) Tom is very friendly. (usually) ____________________________________________________
e) I take sugar in my coffee. (sometimes) ______________________________________________
f) Ramon and Frank are hungry. (often) _______________________________________________
g) My grandmother goes for a wal
h) k in the evening. (always) _______________________________
i) Walter helps his father in the kitchen. (usually) _______________________________________
j) They watch TV in the afternoon. (never) ____________________________________________
k) Christine smokes. (never) ________________________________________________________

2) Read the dialogue. Underline the adverbs of frequency.

Zak : Hi, Ravi. How are you doing?

Ravi : My tummy hurts. I’m sure it’s the food I ate in that stall yesterday.
Sam : Mmm, but that stall is OK. We usually eat there. No problems so far. Mmm… could be the
mutton soup. Remember, you were the only one who had it.
Zak : Well, I guess we should be more careful about where we eat in the future.
Ravi : This happened because I seldom eat out. I usually eat my mother’s cooking.
Zak : Yes, we should try not to eat out too often. We can’t be sure if the food is healthy.
Sam : That’s why my mum is always telling me to eat healthy food. She says good food means more
energy and more brainpower too.
Zak : That makes sense. I usually try to eat lots of fresh fruit and
vegetables.
Sam : I guess sometimes we don’t think about what we eat.
Ravi : Oooh …. Stop it, will you? All I know is that I’ll never go there again!

3) Insert an adverb of frequency into each sentence. Choose from always, almost always, usually,
often, sometimes, seldom, rarely, almost never or never.
often
Example: My father  goes on business trips.
a) Our teacher teaches on Tuesday. ____________________________________________________
b) Our teacher goes swimming at the university pool. ______________________________________
c) Our teacher is absent. ____________________________________________________________
d) Our teacher gives homework for the weekend. _________________________________________
e) Our teacher brings food into class.___________________________________________________
f) Our teacher is impatient with students who don't pay attention.
___________________________________________________________________________________
g) Our teacher loses patience when students don't understand.
___________________________________________________________________________________
h) Our teacher is energetic in class. ____________________________________________________
i) Our teacher tells funny stories. _____________________________________________________
j) There are handouts for students. ____________________________________________________
k) Our teacher gives exercise pages to students. __________________________________________
l) Our teacher wears jeans to class. ____________________________________________________
m) Our teacher is formally dressed. ____________________________________________________
n) Our teacher comes to class on time. _________________________________________________
o) I am late for class. _______________________________________________________________
p) I do the homework on Sunday.
_____________________________________________________
q) Our teacher is in class before six o'clock.
___________________________________________________________________________________
r) I don't want to do the homework. ___________________________________________________
s) I go on trips on the weekend. ______________________________________________________
t) My classmates are interested in what the teacher says.
___________________________________________________________________________________
u) I buy lottery tickets. _____________________________________________________________
v) I am tired at the end of class. _______________________________________________________
w) I think about quitting school. _______________________________________________________
x) My street is noisy. _______________________________________________________________
y) I give money to people who beg on the street.
___________________________________________________________________________________