How to Use the Adverb of Frequency?

The order of words can be tricky with adverbs. Do the adverbs of frequency go in a sentence, At the beginning or the end? Does the adverb go before or after the verb? Let’s look at some of the rules!

• Most adverbs of frequency go in the middle of a sentence, but come before the main verb:
  Subject + adverb of frequency + main verb.

Here are some examples:

• He wears a hat. If you know how often he wears a hat, then I need to use an adverb. Here verb is ‘wear’ so the adverb goes before it: He always wears a hat.
• He is late. Again, if you see the frequency of his lateness, then I need an adverb. Here verb is ‘late’ so the adverb of frequency would go before it: He is always late.

• There are some auxiliary verbs (e.g. have, will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might, must) followed by the main verb, and then the adverb comes between the auxiliary verb and the main verb:
  Subject + auxiliary verb + adverb of frequency + main verb.

Here are some examples:

• Positive: He must listen to her teacher. ‘Must’ is the auxiliary verb and ‘listen’ is the main verb, so you put the adverb of frequency in the middle: He must always listen to her teacher. 
• Negative: He does not go to bed until it is dark. This time ‘do not’ is the auxiliary verb, ‘go’ is the main verb, and I put the adverb of frequency between them: He does not usually go to bed until it is dark.
• Question: Has Navjot lived in Amritsar? As usual, the subject and auxiliary verb change place in question order. The adverb of frequency comes between the auxiliary verb (has) and the main verb (lived), and immediately after the subject (Navjot): Has Navjot always lived in Amritsar?

• Using an adverb with the verb ‘to be’, you need to be careful with the order of words because the adverb of frequency comes after it (not before):
  Subject + to be + adverb of frequency.

Here are some examples:

• I am always tired after work. 
• She is never.
• They are constantly.

• Some adverbs of frequency can come at the beginning of a sentence:
  Adverb of frequency + subject + main verb
  The adverbs that come to the beginning of a sentence are: Frequently, generally, typically, occasionally, sometimes, and usually. 

Here are some examples:

• Generally, I go to the shops on Sunday morning before they get busy. (We can also put the adverb between the subject and main verb: I generally go…)
• Occasionally, They go to a restaurant for dinner. (or They occasionally go…)
• Normally, He gets the bus to work. (or He normally gets…)

Adverbs of Frequency are defined as words that modify verbs to tell us how often something happens Go through this blog post to get a detailed overview of adverbs of frequency, and how to use them with all suitable examples.

What is adverb frequency? this question may arise in your mind when you heard the word Adverb frequency. Every word plays an important role in conveying the intended meaning and engaging the reader. Using adverbs gives in-depth clarity and impacts your speaking and writing. In this article, we will explore the concept of adverb frequency, rules, uses, and examples.