Subject: English
Adverbs of Frequency
English Grammar Rules
We use some adverbs to describe how frequently we do an activity
These are called adverbs of frequency and include:
* Some people pronounce the 'T' in often but many others do not.
The Position of the Adverb in a Sentence
An adverb of frequency goes before a main verb (except with TO BE).
Subject + adverb + main verb |
I always remember to polish my shoes. |
He normally gets good marks in exams. |
An adverb of frequency goes after the verb TO BE
Subject + to be + adverb |
They are never pleased to see me. |
She isn't usually irritating. |
When we use an auxiliary verb (have, will, must, might, could, would, etc.), the adverb is placed between the auxiliary and the main verb. This is also true for TO BE.
Subject + auxiliary + adverb + main verb |
She can sometimes beat me in exam. |
I would hardly ever forger her. |
They might never see each other again. |
They could occasionally be heard praying. |
We can also use the following adverbs at the start of a sentence:
Usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally
BUT we cannot use the following at the beginning of a sentence:
Always, seldom, rarely, hardly, ever, never.
We use hardly ever and never with positive, not negative verbs:
We use ever in questions and negative statements:
We can also use the following expressions when we want to be more specific about the frequency:
- every day - once a month - twice a year - four times a day - every other week
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