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Adverbs of Frequency

How Often Do You Do Boring Things?

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They're perfect for describing your predictable, mundane life with mathematical precision.

The Frequency Scale (From Never to Obsessively)

Never (0%)
Rarely (10%)
Sometimes (30%)
Often (70%)
Usually (80%)
Always (100%)

Position Rules (Where to Put the Bloody Things):

Before main verbs: "I always eat breakfast."

After 'be' verbs: "She is usually late."

After auxiliary verbs: "I have never been to Paris."

The Common Frequency Adverbs (Your Daily Routine)

Adverb Frequency Example
Always 100% I always brush my teeth (good for you)
Usually 80% She usually arrives on time (mostly reliable)
Often 70% We often go to the pub (priorities)
Sometimes 30% He sometimes cooks dinner (when he can be bothered)
Rarely 10% I rarely watch TV (liar)
Never 0% They never clean up (typical)

Position in Different Sentence Types

With Main Verbs (Before the Action):

  • "I always drink coffee in the morning." (Caffeine addict)
  • "She never eats meat." (Vegetarian)
  • "We sometimes go to the cinema." (When there's nothing good on Netflix)

With 'Be' Verbs (After the Being):

  • "He is always late." (Typical)
  • "They are usually busy." (Or pretending to be)
  • "I am never wrong." (Sure you're not)

With Auxiliary Verbs (In the Middle):

  • "I have never been to Australia." (Missing out)
  • "She can always find her keys." (Lucky cow)
  • "We will usually arrive by 6 PM." (Probably)

Questions and Negatives (Getting Specific)

Questions:

  • "Do you always eat breakfast?" (Health check)
  • "Are you usually this grumpy?" (Honest question)
  • "How often do you exercise?" (Preparing for disappointment)

Negatives:

  • "I don't usually drink wine." (But tonight's different)
  • "She isn't always right." (Shocking revelation)
  • "We don't often go out." (Homebodies)

Practice Exercises (Describe Your Boring Life)

Exercise 1: Put the Adverb in the Right Place

1. I am late for work. (never) → I am late for work.
2. She drinks coffee. (always) → She drinks coffee.
3. We have been to France. (often) → We have been to France.
4. He is tired after work. (usually) → He is tired after work.

Exercise 2: Choose the Right Frequency

1. I brush my teeth twice a day. I brush my teeth.
2. She goes to the gym once a week. She goes to the gym.
3. We eat out about once a month. We eat out.
4. He watches TV every evening. He watches TV.

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Well done! Now you can precisely describe how boring and predictable your life is!