English Grammar
ADVERBS OF FREQUENCY
Where to place adverbs and expressions of frequency
FREQUENCY ADVERBS
- Adverbs such as always, already, ever, never, often,
rarely, seldom, sometimes, still, usually,
generally, regularly,
are placed as follows in sentences :
- after the verb BE:
- Charlie is always late for appointments.
- English grammar is sometimes difficult.
- Junk food is never recommended.
- Family reunions are usually noisy
events.
- before other verbs :
- Tom sometimes takes the bus to work.
- Some people never buy books.
- Sophie regularly meets her friends for lunch.
- Young people today often spend a lot of time on
social media.
- between two verbs :
or after the first verb if there are more than two :- Julie has never travelled by plane. She's scared!.
- We should never have accepted the invitation.
- You can always change your password later.
- I would never
have thought that was possible.
- Except if the second verb
is an infinitive :
- Charlie often needs to ask for advice.
- Alex rarely accepts to join the group.
- We generally try to eat homemade
food.
- after the verb BE:
- Frequency phrases such as 'every day', 'once in a while', etc. go
at the beginning
or at the end of sentences.
- I wash my hair every day.
- Once a month I go to the hairdresser's to have it cut.
- Once in a while I am tempted to change the colour.
- Every now and then I meeet my friends for lunch.
- My cousin Charlie drops in to say hello every now and again.
- My husband dresses casually but he wears a suit from time to time.