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Grammar B1 Adverbs of Frequency

Always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never — scale

5 min read Adjectives & Adverbs
Always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never — scale

What Are Adverbs of Frequency?

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They describe the regularity of an action or state. In English, we use a scale from 'always' (100% of the time) to 'never' (0% of the time). These adverbs are essential for describing habits, routines, and general facts about how often things occur in daily life.

The Frequency Scale

Adverbs of frequency follow a clear scale of how often something happens: Always (100%) → Usually (75-90%) → Often (50-75%) → Sometimes (25-50%) → Rarely (5-25%) → Never (0%). This scale helps you choose the right adverb based on how frequently an action occurs. Understanding this scale makes it easier to express the exact regularity you want to communicate.

Word Order Rules

The placement of adverbs of frequency depends on the verb type. With simple present verbs, place the adverb between the subject and main verb: 'I usually drink coffee.' With the verb 'to be', place it after the verb: 'She is always late.' With modal verbs and auxiliaries, place it after the auxiliary: 'He has never seen snow.' This placement creates natural, correct English sentences.

The Frequency Scale at a Glance

Adverb Frequency % Real-Life Example Position in Sentence Note
Always 100% She always brushes her teeth before bed. Before main verb; after "to be" No exceptions — every single time
Usually 80–90% He usually takes the bus to work. Before main verb; can also start a sentence Rare exceptions allowed
Often 60–70% We often eat out on Fridays. Before main verb; flexible placement More than half the time but not a fixed rule
Sometimes 30–50% I sometimes forget where I put my keys. Most flexible — start, middle, or end Roughly half the time; no strong pattern
Rarely 5–15% They rarely argue about money. Before main verb; after "to be" Negative meaning — no "not" needed; "seldom" is a synonym
Never 0% She never drinks coffee after 3 pm. Before main verb; after "to be" Strong negative — do NOT use with "not" (double negative)
Formula
✔ Positive
Subject + adverb of frequency + verb + object
I usually drink tea in the morning.
✖ Negative
Subject + do not / does not + adverb of frequency + verb
I don't usually watch TV at night.

Examples

She always checks her email first thing in the morning.
She always checks her email first thing in the morning.
Regular habit · 100% frequency
She usually finishes her homework by 8 PM.
She usually finishes her homework by 8 PM.
Common routine · 75-90% frequency
We often go to the cinema on weekends.
We often go to the cinema on weekends.
Frequent activity · 50-75% frequency
He sometimes forgets his keys at home.
He sometimes forgets his keys at home.
Occasional occurrence · 25-50% frequency
They rarely visit their grandparents.
They rarely visit their grandparents.
Infrequent habit · 5-25% frequency
I never drink coffee after 6 PM.
I never drink coffee after 6 PM.
Zero frequency · 0%
When to use it
Daily Routines
Use frequency adverbs to describe habits and regular activities. This is the most common use in everyday conversation.
"I usually wake up at 7 AM on weekdays."
Asking About Habits
Use them in questions to ask how often someone does something. Helps start conversations naturally.
"How often do you exercise? — I sometimes go to the gym."
Making Generalizations
Use frequency adverbs to make general statements about people, places, or things. Common in descriptions.
"Buses are usually crowded during rush hour."
Expressing Reliability
Use them to show how dependable or consistent someone or something is. Important for building trust.
"She is always on time for meetings."
Signal words
always usually often sometimes rarely never occasionally frequently seldom hardly ever every day most days once a week
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
I drink usually coffee in the morning.
✓
Correct
I usually drink coffee in the morning.
Adverbs of frequency go between subject and verb, not after the verb.
✕
Wrong
She always is tired.
✓
Correct
She is always tired.
With 'to be', the adverb goes after the verb, not before it.
✕
Wrong
He never has been late.
✓
Correct
He has never been late.
With auxiliary verbs, the adverb goes after the auxiliary, not before.
✕
Wrong
Do you go usually to the gym every week?
✓
Correct
Do you usually go to the gym every week?
Frequency adverbs like 'usually' should come before the main verb, not after it.
✕
Wrong
I sometimes don't understand English.
✓
Correct
I don't sometimes understand English.
With negatives, the adverb goes after 'don't/doesn't', not before.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

What to Remember

  • Adverbs of frequency describe how often actions happen on a scale from always to never.
  • Place adverbs of frequency before the main verb, but after the verb "to be."
  • Always means 100% of the time, while never means 0% of the time.
  • Usually, often, sometimes, and rarely fall between always and never on the frequency scale.
  • Use these adverbs to describe habits, routines, and general facts about daily life patterns.
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