Adverbs of Frequency

Definition

These are called adverbs of frequency and include:

We use some adverbs to describe how frequenly we do an activity

* Some people pronounce the 'T' in often but many others do not.

Position of the Adverb in a Sentence

An adverb of frequency goes before a main verb (except with To Be).

Subject + adverb + main verb

I always remember to do my homework.

He normally gets good marks in exams.

An adverb of frequency goes after the verb To Be.

Subject + to be + adverb

They are never pleased to see me.

She isn't usually bad tempered.

When we use an auxiliary verb (have, will, must, might, could, would, can, etc.), the adverb is placed between the auxiliary and the main verb. This is also true for to be.

Subject + auxiliary + adverb + main verb

She can sometimes beat me in a race.

I would hardly ever be unkind to someone.

They might never see each other again.

They could occasionally be heard laughing.

We can also use the following adverbs at the start of a sentence:

Usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally

·         Occasionally, I like to eat Thai food.

BUT we cannot use the following at the beginning of a sentence:

Always, seldom, rarely, hardly, ever, never.

We use hardly ever and never with positive, not negative verbs:

·         She hardly ever comes to my parties.

·         They never say 'thank you'.

We use ever in questions and negative statements:

·         Have you ever been to New Zealand?

·         I haven't ever been to Switzerland. (The same as 'I have never been Switzerland').

We can also use the following expressions when we want to be more specific about the frequency:

- every day - once a month - twice a year - four times a day - every other week

Examples

·         I always have corn flakes for breakfast.Siempre como copos de maíz para el desayuno.

·         They usually spend the summer in the mountains.Ellos por lo general pasan el verano en las montañas.

·         We frequently water our garden when it's hot.Con frecuencia regamos nuestro jardín cuando está caluroso.

·         You often dine at Peter's, don't you?¿Usted a menudo cena en lo de Peter, verdad?

·         Ben sometimes goes to the theater.Ben a veces va al teatro.

·         Janet occasionally visits her parents.Janet de vez en cuando visita a sus padres.

·         Mrs. Hills rarely leaves home after 10:00 p.m.La Sra. Hills raramente se marcha de su casa después de las 22hs.

·         Mr. Robins seldom drives at night.El Sr. Robins rara vez conduce por la noche.

·         Oliver hardly ever buys new clothes.Oliver casi nunca compra la nueva ropa.

·         They never go hiking.Ellos nunca van de excursión.

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