Adverbs of frequency are used to show how often something happens. Below you will see some examples of how different adverbs can be used to show varying levels of frequency.
Adverbs of frequency are used to show how often something happens either in definite or indefinite terms. Examples of definite frequency include daily, weekly, and yearly. Adverbs of indefinite frequency don’t specify an exact time frame, for example usually, occasionally, and seldom.
Adverbs of Frequency Rules
The following rules for adverbs of frequency will help you to use them in the correct way:
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Adverbs of frequency are used to discuss how often something happens.
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Adverbs of frequency are often used to indicate routine or repeated activities. Because if this they are regularly used with the present simple tense.
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In a sentence with only one verb, the adverb of frequency should be placed in the middle of the sentence, after the subject but before the verb. For example: Steve rarely swims. She always uses the subway.
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In a sentence with more than one verb, the adverb of frequency should be placed before the main verb. For example: He has often visited Asia.
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If an adverb of frequency is used in the negative form or as a question, it should be placed before the main verb. For example: Do you always go to bed so early?
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