What Are Adverbs of Frequency?

Adverbs of frequency are words that tell us how often an action happens. They answer the question How often…?

We use them to talk about routines, habits, and how regularly things occur. Here are some common adverbs of frequency, from 100% to 0%:

• always (100% of the time)
• usually (about 80-90% of the time)
• often (about 60-70% of the time)
• sometimes (about 30-50% of the time)
• hardly ever (about 5-10% of the time)
• never (0% of the time)

Where Do Adverbs of Frequency Go in a Sentence?

The position of adverbs of frequency in a sentence is very important. There are two main rules to remember:

Rule 1: Before the Main Verb

Most of the time, the adverb of frequency goes *before* the main verb in a sentence. This is the most common position.

• I always drink coffee in the morning.
• She usually walks to school.
• They often play football on Saturdays.

Rule 2: After the Verb ‘to be’

When you use the verb to be (am, is, are), the adverb of frequency goes *after* the verb.

• He is always happy.
• We are sometimes late for class.
• I am never bored.

Rule 3: After Auxiliary Verbs

If there is an auxiliary verb (like do, does, have, can, will), the adverb of frequency usually goes *after* the auxiliary verb and *before* the main verb.

• I don’t often watch TV.
• She can always help me.
• They have never visited London.

Using Adverbs of Frequency in Questions

We can also use adverbs of frequency when we ask questions. The position rules are similar.

• For questions with a main verb, the adverb goes before the main verb: Do you often go to the cinema?
• For questions with the verb to be, the adverb goes after is/are: Is he always busy?

To ask about frequency, we often use How often…?

• How often do you study English?
• How often is she late?

Adverbs of Frequency and the A2 Key Exam

Adverbs of frequency are very common in the A2 Key (KET) exam. You will see them in different parts of the test.

• In Reading and Writing, you might read texts that use these adverbs to describe people’s routines.
• In the Speaking test, you will need to talk about your daily life and habits. Using adverbs of frequency correctly will help you answer questions about your routine naturally and clearly.
• For example, you might be asked How often do you meet your friends? or What do you usually do on weekends?

Examples

• I always eat breakfast before school.
• My brother usually plays video games in the evening.
• We often go to the park on Sundays.
• She sometimes reads books in English.
• They hardly ever watch TV.
• I never forget my homework.
• He is always on time.
• Are you often tired after work?

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Incorrect Word Order

A common mistake for Spanish speakers is putting the adverb of frequency after the main verb, like in Spanish. Remember the English rule!

• Incorrect: I eat always breakfast.
• Correct: I always eat breakfast.

Also, remember the special rule for the verb to be.

• Incorrect: He always is happy.
• Correct: He is always happy.

Frequently asked questions

What is an adverb of frequency?

An adverb of frequency is a word that describes how often an action happens. Examples are always, usually, often, sometimes, hardly ever, and never.

Where do adverbs of frequency go in a sentence?

They usually go *before* the main verb (I always study). But they go *after* the verb to be (She is always happy).

Can I use ‘sometimes’ at the beginning or end of a sentence?

Yes, sometimes is flexible. You can say Sometimes I read books., I sometimes read books., or I read books sometimes. However, for other adverbs like always or never, the position is usually fixed.

How are adverbs of frequency tested in the A2 Key exam?

In the A2 Key (KET) exam, you might need to use adverbs of frequency correctly in the Writing part to describe routines, or understand them in the Reading part. In the Speaking test, you will use them to talk about your daily habits and answer questions about how often you do things.