Adverbs of Frequency: Examples & Exercises

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They answer the question “How often?” and describe repeated actions or habits, that’s why we normally use them with Present Simple.

Types of Adverbs of Frequency

We can divide them into two main groups:

1. Single-word adverbs (go before most verbs):
   always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, etc.
2. Adverbial expressions (go at the end of the sentence):
   every day, twice a week, once in a while, from time to time, etc.

1. Single-Word Adverbs of Frequency

Common Adverbs

Word Order: Where to Place the Adverb

The Verb to be

Adverbs of frequency go after am / is / are / was / were.

Example	Explanation
She is always on time.	After is
They are usually happy.	After are
I am never late.	After am

Never put the adverb before to be: She always is on time.

Other Verbs

Adverbs of frequency go before the main verb.

Example	Explanation
I always drink tea in the morning.	Before drink
She often studies in the library.	Before studies
They never watch horror movies.	Before watch

Auxiliary Verbs

When there’s an auxiliary (have, can, will, must, etc.), the adverb of frequency goes after the first auxiliary.

Example	Explanation
She has always loved music.	After has
You can often see him at the café.	After can
They will never forget that day.	After will

In Negative Sentences

The adverb usually stays in the same position, after not or before the main verb:

Example	Explanation
I don’t usually eat breakfast.	After don’t
She doesn’t often travel abroad.	After doesn’t

Confused about this conjugation? Study the Present Simple here.

2. Adverbial Expressions of Frequency (End of the Sentence)

Rule:
These expressions go at the end of the sentence.
You can’t use them before the verb.

3. Combining Both Types

Sometimes we use a general adverb and an adverbial expression in the same sentence, if the combination makes sense.

Possible Combinations (coherent):

Example	Explanation
We usually eat out twice a week.	“Usually” = general habit; “twice a week” = specific frequency → coherent
She often goes jogging on weekends.	Both fit naturally.
He usually travels every day.	It implies that sometimes it’s now every day.

Impossible or Incoherent Combinations:

Example	Explanation
✗ We often eat out once in a blue moon.	“Often” (frequent) + “once in a blue moon” (rare) → contradictory
✗ He rarely travels every now and then.	“rarely” implies a lack of frequency, “every now and then” implies sometimes → contradictory.

Tip:
If the two expressions contradict each other (often vs once in a blue moon), the sentence becomes incoherent.
Use only one.

4. At the Beginning of the Sentence

Sometimes we move a frequency adverb or expression to the start of the sentence for emphasis or variety.

Example	Effect
Sometimes, I go for a walk at night.	Adds emphasis or contrast.
Once a week, we go to the countryside.	More formal or storytelling tone.

Exercises on Adverbs of Frequency

| Wordwall1 | Wordwall2 | Test-English | Englisch-Hilfen | AgendaWeb1 | AgendaWeb2 | AgendaWeb3 | Elt-Oup | BritishCouncil | English4U | AnglaisFacile1 | AnglaisFacile2 | AnglaisFacile3 | AnglaisFacile4