Adverbs of frequency

Meaning & use

We use adverbs of frequency to say how often we do something. There are four important words for A1 learners: always, usually, sometimes, and never.

Form & Position

Be careful with the position of adverbs of frequency. Look at the rules below.

Rule 1: Before the main verb
✓ I always have breakfast.
✗ Always I have breakfast.
✗ I have always breakfast.

Rule 2: After “am / is / are” (verb to be)
✓ She is never late.
✗ She never is late.

Rule 3: In questions
✓ Does she usually go shopping on Saturday?
✗ Does usually she go shopping on Saturday?
✗ Usually does she go shopping on Saturday?

⚠ Rule 4 — Never
With never, we use a positive verb. We do not use don’t / doesn’t.
✓ He never eats meat.
✗ He doesn’t never eat meat.

More examples:

1. 1. 1. We sometimes visit our grandparents on Sunday.
      2. My brother usually walks to school, but he sometimes takes the bus.
      3. He always tidies his room because he doesn’t like a mess.

Summary