Adverbs of Frequency

Luis Daniel Miramontes Espinoza

Miguel Ángel Arévalo Ramírez
Daniel Alberto Barboza Hernández
Alejandro Valdivia Hernández
 What are adverbs of frequency?

• Adverbs that change or qualify the meaning of a sentence by telling us how often
or how frequently something happens are defined as adverbs of frequency.

• An adverb of frequency is exactly what it sounds like – an adverb of time.

• Adverbs of frequency always describe how often something occurs, either in

definite or indefinite terms.
 Adverbs of Frequency Rules

These simple rules for adverbs of frequency will help you to use them correctly:
• Always use adverbs of frequency to discuss how often something happens.

• Adverbs of frequency are often used to indicate routine or repeated activities, so

they are often used with the present simple tense.

• If a sentence has only one verb, place the adverb of frequency in the middle of the
sentence so that it is positioned after the subject but before the verb.
For example: Tom never flies. He always takes the bus.
• When a sentence contains more than one verb, place the adverb of frequency
before the main verb.
For example: They have often visited Europe.

• When using an adverb of frequency in the negative or in forming a question,

place it before the main verb.
For example: Do you usually get up so late?
 Examples of Adverbs of Frequency

Each sentence contains an example of an adverb of frequency; the examples are

italicized for easy identification.

• The incubator turns each egg hourly.

• We take a vacation at least once annually.
• I usually shop for groceries on Saturday mornings.
• He is often late for work.
• We seldom see John.
• My dentist told me I should floss twice daily.
 Adverbs of Frequency List

This list of adverbs of frequency contains many of the most common; keep in mind
though that there are many other words which can serve in this capacity.
• Always • Hourly • Now • Then
• Annually • Infrequently • Occasionally • Today
• Constantly • Later • Often • Tonight
• Daily • Monthly • Quarterly • Weekly
• Eventually • Never • Rarely • Yearly
• Ever • Next • Regularly • Yesterday
• Frequently • Nightly • Sometimes • Yet
• Generally • Normally • Soon
 Adverbs of Frequency Exercises

Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

1. I ________________ late on Saturdays. 4. Susan ________________ early for class.
a. Get up usually a. Often is
b. Get usually up b. Are often
c. Usually get up c. Often are
d. Is often
2. Jared ______________ late for work.
a. Never is 5. When do you ____________ go on vacation each year?
b. Is never a. Always
b. Never
3. _______________ on weekends? c. Usually
a. Often do you travel d. Ever
b. Do you often travel
c. Often you do travel