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Use adverbs of frequency to say how often something happens. Their normal position depends on whether the verb is be or another main verb.
Overview
Use adverbs of frequency to say how often something happens. Their normal position depends on whether the verb is be or another main verb.
Form and rules
Common frequency adverbs include always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely/seldom, and never.
Put frequency adverbs before most main verbs: I usually walk. She never eats meat.
Put frequency adverbs after be: He is always tired. They are often busy.
Sometimes can also go at the beginning or end of a sentence: Sometimes I cook. I cook at home sometimes.
Never already has a negative meaning, so do not normally use don't/doesn't with never: I never smoke.
A closer look
Adverbs such as always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, and never tell us how often something happens.
They normally come before a main verb but after be: I often work late. She is always friendly. Sometimes can also appear at the beginning or end.
Examples
I always have breakfast.
She usually walks to work.
We often watch films.
He is never late.
Sometimes they eat out.
Common mistakes
Frequency adverbs normally come before a main verb.
With be, the frequency adverb normally comes after the verb.
Ready to practise?
The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.