Adverbs of frequency
always–usually–often–sometimes–rarely–never and their position: before the verb, after be
I can say how often I do things with correctly placed frequency adverbs.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
I usually cycle to work, but it's always hard in January.
I usually cycle to work, but it's always hard in January.
We rarely eat out — my husband never trusts restaurant kitchens.
We rarely eat out — my husband never trusts restaurant kitchens.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
The frequency ladder and the one position rule:
| % | Adverb |
|---|---|
| 100 | always |
| 80 | usually |
| 60 | often |
| 40 | sometimes |
| 10 | rarely / seldom |
| 0 | never |
Position: before a main verb (I usually walk), after be (She is always late), after the first auxiliary (I have never seen it). never/rarely already negate — no not.
- Wrong slot: *I walk usually → I usually walk
- *She always is late → She is always late
- Double negative: *I don't never smoke → I never smoke
Common Error Patterns
Adverb after the main verb
Before main verb, after be/auxiliary
not combined with never
never is already negative
I usually cycle to work, but it's always hard in January.
I usually cycle to work, but it's always hard in January.
usually before the verb, always after be.
We rarely eat out — my husband never trusts restaurant kitchens.
We rarely eat out — my husband never trusts restaurant kitchens.
rarely and never carry the negation alone.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A2 course exercises