Adverbs of frequency

Rules

• Rule 1: From 100% to 0%

  always 100% → usually 80% → often 60% → sometimes 40% → never 0%

  Pattern: always > usually > often > sometimes > never

  Example: The sun always sets in the west.

  Example: We sometimes eat fish.

• Rule 2: BEFORE the main verb

  The adverb goes before the main verb. With he / she / it, the verb keeps its -s: She often reads.

  Pattern: Subject + always / usually … + verb

  Example: I usually ride my bike to the park.

  Example: My grandma often bakes bread.

• Rule 3: AFTER am / is / are

  If the verb is be (am, is, are), the adverb goes after it.

  Pattern: Subject + am / is / are + always / never …

  Example: Our teacher is always kind.

  Example: I am sometimes shy.

• Rule 4: Negatives and questions

  In negatives, the adverb goes after don't / doesn't. In questions, it goes after the subject. never is already negative — don't add don't!

  Pattern: don't / doesn't + adverb + verb · Do / Does + subject + adverb + verb?

  Example: We don't usually go out on school nights.

  Example: Do you often play video games?

Common mistakes

• I eat always cereal. → I always eat cereal.

  Before the main verb.

• He always is late. → He is always late.

  After is.

• I don't never drink cola. → I never drink cola.

  never is already negative.