Grammar Frequency adverbs
Š Rafael Moreno Esteban 2007
When we want to say how often something happens, it is common to use frequency adverbs. It is possible to use them when referring to the past, present or future:
We often went camping when we were children. I usually go to the gym at lunchtime. I will always love you.
© Rafael Moreno Esteban 2007
The following list shows the most common adverbs of frequency, with the one that refers to things that happen most often at the top, and least often at the bottom:
Always Usually Frequently Often Sometimes
Occasionally Rarely Seldom Hardly ever Never
© Rafael Moreno Esteban 2007
I always brush my teeth before I go to bed. (=every night) I usually have toast for breakfast. (=happens most days) I frequently watch the news before dinner. (=it's common) I often go to the park with my dog. (=many times) I sometimes see him down at the shops. (=at particular occasions but not all the time) I occasionally visit the capital. (=not happening often or regularly) I rarely smoke cigars. (=it is not common) I seldom have a chance to go to the theatre. (=almost never) I hardly ever travel abroad. (=almost never) I never work on the weekend. (=not at any time or not on any occasion)
© Rafael Moreno Esteban 2007
Adverbs of frequency can occupy different positions in the sentence. With most verbs, the normal position is between the subject and the verb. With the verb "to be", the adverb normally comes after the verb: Pedro occasionally visits us on Sundays. She is often ill in winter.
© Rafael Moreno Esteban 2007
More information about adverbs of frequency: http://grammar.englishclub.com/adv erbs-frequency.htm http://esl.about.com/library/gramma r/blgr_adverbs_frequency.htm http://www.fortunecity.com/bally/du rrus/153/gramch24.html#2a
© Rafael Moreno Esteban 2007
Exercises and quizzes about adverbs of frequency:
http://www.fortunecity.com/bally/durrus/1 53/gramex24.html#1 http://www.fortunecity.com/bally/durrus/1 53/gramex24.html#2 http://quizzes.englishclub.com/quiz200009q.htm http://www.johnsesl.com/scrambledtxt/ad verbs/ http://www.learnenglish.org.uk/CET/flasha ctivities/frequency_adverbs_game01.html © Rafael Moreno Esteban 2007