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Adverbs of Frequency in English

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Adverbs of frequency are words or phrases that say how often something happens: always, usually, sometimes, never, or once a week.

This guide is for A2 to B1 learners. It explains the two types of frequency adverb, shows exactly where each one goes in a sentence, and covers the mistakes learners make most. Three exercises let you practise straight away.

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A quick video summary

Two types of adverb of frequency

Definite adverbs give an exact frequency: once a week, every day, twice a month.

Indefinite adverbs give a general idea, open to interpretation. Here they are from most to least often:

AdverbApprox. frequency
always100%
usually~90%
often~70%
sometimes~50%
rarely / seldom~10%
never0%
Example: “I sometimes go to the pool” (indefinite) vs “I go to the pool once a week” (definite).

Where to place adverbs of frequency

Placement is the part learners get wrong most. The rules differ for the two types.

  • Indefinite adverbs go before the main verb: I always eat breakfast.
  • But after the verb be: I am never late for work.
  • With an auxiliary or modal, the adverb goes before the main verb: I have never eaten spinach. / I must always do my homework.
  • Definite adverbs go at the start or end of the sentence: Once a month I go to the doctor. / I go to the doctor once a month.
Careful with sentences that have more than one verb: the indefinite adverb always goes before the main verb, not the auxiliary.

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Common mistakes with adverbs of frequency

  1. Putting the adverb after the main verb. Say “I often read”, not “I read often” (though end position is possible for emphasis, before the verb is the safe default).
  2. Putting it before be. With be, the adverb comes after: “She is always happy”, not “She always is happy”.
  3. Putting a definite adverb before the verb. Definite adverbs go at the start or end: “I clean the house every week“, not “I every week clean the house”.
  4. Using two negatives with never. Never is already negative: “I never smoke”, not “I don’t never smoke”.

Practice exercises

Try this exercise and check your results straight away.

Quick self-check

Complete or fix each sentence, then reveal the answers.

1. Put the adverb: She (always) is on time. → ?
2. Put the adverb: I (never) have been to Japan. → ?
3. Put the adverb: We (usually) eat at 8. → ?

Show answers

1. She is always on time.   2. I have never been to Japan.   3. We usually eat at 8.

How did that go? Getting the position right in an exercise is a start; using it without thinking as you speak is the goal. In a free trial lesson, an experienced native teacher will help you get there.

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Frequently asked questions

What are adverbs of frequency?
They are words that say how often something happens, such as always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely and never.
Where do adverbs of frequency go in a sentence?
Before the main verb (I often walk), after the verb be (She is always busy), and before the main verb when there is an auxiliary (I have never tried it).
What is the difference between definite and indefinite adverbs?
Definite adverbs give an exact frequency (once a week) and go at the start or end of a sentence. Indefinite adverbs give a general idea (usually) and go before the main verb.
Do you say I am always or I always am?
Say “I am always”: with the verb be, the adverb comes after it.
Can adverbs of frequency start a sentence?
Definite ones can (“Every day I run”). Indefinite ones usually stay before the main verb, though sometimes and usually can begin a sentence.

Key takeaways

  • Adverbs of frequency say how often something happens.
  • Definite adverbs (once a week) go at the start or end of the sentence.
  • Indefinite adverbs (always, usually, never) go before the main verb.
  • With the verb be, the adverb goes after it.
  • With an auxiliary or modal, the adverb goes before the main verb.

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Written and reviewed by the experienced native English teachers at Live English, online since 2007.