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In the listening lesson “Library Books!” I talked about a terrible habit I have:

I use many more adverbs of frequency throughout the story!

What is an adverb?
An adverb describes a verb. It gives more information about the verb.

What are adverbs of frequency?
An adverb of frequency answers the question: “How often (do you do something)?” It is used to describe how many times you do something.

1) Indefinite Adverbs of Frequency

Commonly used adverbs of frequency:

always
constantly
usually
normally
frequently
regularly
often
sometimes
occasionally
infrequently
seldom
rarely
hardly ever
never

(This is obviously not a complete list!)

*Indefinite adverbs usually go before the main verb…

She rarely drinks.

I usually skip breakfast.

He often has to work late.

I have never smoked a cigarette.

Even when there is an auxiliary or ‘helping’ verb in the sentence, the adverb of frequency always goes after the auxiliary verb and before the main verb:

I have never eaten so much food in my life!

You can’t always get what you want!

Exceptions:

a) Adverbs of frequency go after the verb be…

He is always late for class!

She is constantly nagging me to lose weight.

My friend is rarely on time for anything.

b) Sometimes, occasionally, normally, and usually, can also go at the beginning or end of a sentence:

Usually I exercise at night, not in the morning.

He likes to watch reality TV sometimes.

Occasionally she smokes a cigarette.

Normally I don’t do this, but I’ll make an exception for you!

c) Frequently, constantly, regularly and most other adverbs of frequency can also go at the end of a sentence. (Always, rarely, and seldom, cannot go at the end of a sentence.)

My mother calls me on the phone frequently.

I exercise regularly.

I drink water constantly.

X: She complains about the weather always.
She always complains about the weather.

d) ‘Negative’ adverbs of frequency (e.g. rarely, seldom, never) are not used in negative sentences or questions.

I rarely drink alcohol.
X: She doesn’t rarely drink alcohol.
X: Do you rarely drink alcohol?

2) Definite adverbs of frequency
Definite adverbs of frequency are more specific than indefinite adverbs of frequency.

daily
annually
every day / hour / month / year / etc.
all the time
most of the time
most mornings / afternoon / evenings
once in a while
once / twice / etc.
once a week

*Definite adverbs of frequency can go at the beginning or end of a sentence. They never go in the middle of the sentence.

The cleaning staff cleans the hotel rooms daily.
X: The cleaning staff daily cleans the hotel rooms.

I see her at the gym all the time.

Do you go to school every day?
~ No, I don’t go to school every day?

He takes his kids to school most mornings.

Once in a while my mother babysits the kids.

Practice!
(*clicking on the links below will take you to other websites)

Quiz #1 – EnglishClub.com

Quiz #2 – esl.about.com

Quiz #3 – Long Beach City College ESL website

Quiz #4 – English Club (Tajikistan)
(*The title of the quiz should be “Test Your English by Taking this Quiz.” Other than that, the English on this page is perfect.)