Adverbs of Frequency (A1 Grammar)

Adverbs tell us how often. Put before main verbs, after 'be'.

Quick tip: Before main verb, after 'be'

Frequency scale

always(100%), usually(80-90%), often(60-70%), sometimes(30-50%), rarely(5-10%), never(0%).

• I always eat breakfast.
• She usually wakes up early.
• He never drinks coffee.

BEFORE main verb

Put the adverb before the main verb.

• I always eat breakfast.
• She sometimes plays tennis.
• They never watch TV.

AFTER verb 'be'

Put the adverb after am/is/are/was/were.

• I am always happy.
• She is usually late.
• They are often busy.

Common mistakes

• Not "I eat always breakfast." — say "I always eat breakfast.". Adverb before main verb.
• Not "She always is late." — say "She is always late.". Adverb after 'be'.
• Not "They go never home." — say "They never go home.". Adverb before main verb.

Practise it

Describe your habits: I always..., I sometimes..., I never...