A1 · Lesson 14 · 20 min
Adverbs of frequency
In this lesson
- I can use always, usually, often, sometimes and never to talk about routines.
- I can put frequency adverbs in the correct place in a sentence.
Grammar in context
Mina works in a small café. She usually walks there, but she sometimes takes the bus when it rains. Her manager is always friendly, and the café is never empty on Saturday mornings.
Find usually in the text. Does it come before or after walks? Where does always come in the sentence with is?
How often?
Always means every time. Usually means on most occasions. Often means many times. Sometimes means on some occasions. Never means at no time. Use these words to say how often something happens.
- I always lock the door before bed.
- We sometimes eat lunch in the park.
Before main verbs
Usually put these words before an action verb: I often walk. In a negative, a common order is don’t + usually + verb: I don’t usually drive. In a question, put the word before the action: Do you often walk?
- Leo often calls his grandmother.
- My friends do not usually drive to college.
After be
With am, is and are, the usual position is after the verb: She is often busy. For negatives, you can say She isn’t usually late or She is not always late. Never already means not at any time: She is never late.
- They are usually at home.
- He isn’t usually tired.
- She is not always late.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
She always tired after work.
Use
She is always tired after work.
Use is with tired, and put always after is.
Avoid
I never don't drink coffee.
Use
I never drink coffee.
Never is negative in meaning, so do not add don't.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.