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Grammar B1 Adverbs of Frequency

Position of adverbs of frequency in a sentence

5 min read Adjectives & Adverbs
Position of adverbs of frequency in a sentence

Understanding Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. Common adverbs include: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, and occasionally. The position of these adverbs in a sentence is important for correct English. Word order changes depending on the type of verb you use. Getting this right will help your writing sound more natural and professional.

Position with the Verb 'Be'

When you use the verb 'be' (am, is, are, was, were), the adverb of frequency comes AFTER the verb. This is different from other verbs. For example: 'She is always happy' (not 'She always is happy'). This rule is consistent across all tenses and applies to statements and questions.

Position with Main Verbs and Auxiliary Verbs

With most main verbs (like eat, work, play), the adverb of frequency comes BEFORE the verb. For example: 'He usually goes to the gym.' When you have an auxiliary verb (like do, have, will), the adverb comes between the auxiliary and the main verb: 'They have never seen that film.' With multiple auxiliaries, place the adverb after the first auxiliary: 'She will probably finish tomorrow.'

Adverb Position at a Glance

Verb Type Adverb Position Structure Example
be (only verb) After be Subject + be + adverb She is always late.
Main verb (no auxiliary) Before the main verb Subject + adverb + main verb They often visit us.
Auxiliary + main verb Between auxiliary and main verb Subject + auxiliary + adverb + main verb He has never tried sushi.
Multiple auxiliaries After the first auxiliary Subject + aux1 + adverb + aux2 + main verb You should always be checking the time.
Questions with do/does/did Before the main verb (after subject) Aux + subject + adverb + main verb? Do you usually walk to work?
Never / Rarely / Seldom (negative adverbs) Same rules above; do not add not Subject + never/rarely + main verb She rarely complains. ✅
She rarely doesn't complain. ❌
Formula
✔ Positive
Subject + verb 'be' + adverb of frequency + adjective/noun
She is always punctual.
? Question
Do/Does + subject + adverb of frequency + verb
Do you often travel for work?

Examples

She is always late to meetings.
She is always late to meetings.
Adverb after 'be' · B1 Statement
I usually have breakfast at seven o'clock.
I usually have breakfast at seven o'clock.
Adverb before main verb · Routine
They have rarely complained about the service.
They have rarely complained about the service.
Adverb between auxiliary and main verb · Present Perfect
Do you sometimes work on weekends?
Do you sometimes work on weekends?
Adverb in question form · Enquiry
We will never forget this experience.
We will never forget this experience.
Adverb between auxiliary and main verb · Future
He is occasionally nervous before presentations.
He is occasionally nervous before presentations.
Adverb after 'be' · Description
When to use it
Describing Daily Routines
Use adverbs of frequency to talk about habits and regular activities.
"I usually wake up at 6 AM every weekday."
Work and Professional Settings
Describe how often tasks or meetings happen in your job.
"We often have team meetings on Mondays."
Expressing Negative Habits
Use frequency adverbs with negative meaning to talk about things you don't do.
"I rarely eat fast food because it's unhealthy."
Asking Questions
Ask about the frequency of others' actions and habits.
"How often do you travel? Do you ever visit your family?"
Signal words
always usually often sometimes rarely seldom never occasionally frequently hardly ever
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
She always is happy.
✓
Correct
She is always happy.
With 'be', the adverb comes AFTER the verb, not before it.
✕
Wrong
They never have gone to Paris.
✓
Correct
They have never gone to Paris.
With auxiliary verbs, the adverb goes between the auxiliary and main verb.
✕
Wrong
He works sometimes in the morning.
✓
Correct
He sometimes works in the morning.
Adverbs of frequency like 'sometimes' should come before the main verb, not after it.
✕
Wrong
Do you never eat pizza?
✓
Correct
Do you never eat pizza? (correct) / Don't you ever eat pizza? (more common)
In questions, the adverb can go after the subject or use 'ever' with negation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

What to Remember

  • Adverbs of frequency tell you how often an action or state happens in English sentences.
  • With the verb 'be', place the adverb of frequency immediately after the verb form.
  • With other verbs, the adverb of frequency usually comes before the main verb.
  • Common adverbs of frequency include: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, occasionally.
  • Remember: position matters for natural-sounding English; incorrect placement changes the sentence meaning or sounds wrong.
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