Frequency Adverbs

06-10-19

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, as in the following examples: We often went camping when we were children. I usually go to the gym at lunchtime. I will always love you. The most common frequency adverbs are given below: Always Usually Frequently Often How about normally and regularly ? And generally? Sometimes Occasionally Rarely Seldom Hardly ever Never

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)

Position of Frequency Adverbs

Adverbs of frequency can occupy different positions in the sentence.
With most verbs, the normal position is between the subject and the verb (mid-position). However, sometimes these adverbs can go into initial positions in order to have more emphasis.
I usually arrive at school before 8 oclock. Usually I arrive at school before 8 oclock.

With the verb "to be", the adverb normally comes after the verb:
Pedro occasionally visits us on Sundays. She is often ill in winter.

I always tell him to stay away from those people. ?Always I tell him to stay away from those people. ?Always stay away from those people. ?I tell him to stay away from those people always.
I sometimes heard him playing in the room next door. ?Sometimes I heard him playing in the room next door. ?I heard him playing in the room next door sometimes. ?I sometimes dont hear him playing in the room next door. ?He has worked hard. (never) ?He has been working hard. (never)

Conclusions
Frequency adverbs denote how often something happens. These adverbs can go into different positions of a sentence, namely, initial position, mid-position and endposition. Yet, some of them cannot go into initial position, like always; some of them cannot go into end-position, either, like always and never. When a verb has several parts, the most common position is after the first auxiliary verb (has never been)