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Adverbs of Frequency in English: Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Never
Always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, and never say how often something happens, and they have a fixed spot in the sentence.
Written by Bryan López, Profesor de inglés · Updated
Adverbs of frequency say how often something happens: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, and never. Unlike many languages, they have a fixed position in the sentence: they almost always go right before the main verb, not at the end.
The frequency scale
Where they go in a sentence
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Practice adverbs of frequency with real audio
Interactive exercises, real pronunciation, and the full lesson taught in English.
Which ones can start a sentence
Usually, normally, sometimes, and occasionally can go at the beginning: "Sometimes I go to the gym." Always, never, rarely, and seldom are NOT used at the start of a sentence, they always go in the fixed position next to the verb.
Common mistakes learners make
In many languages, the frequency adverb can go almost anywhere in the sentence, including at the end. In English the position is much stricter: "I drink coffee always" is wrong, it has to be "I always drink coffee." Putting the adverb at the end of the sentence is the most common mistake with this topic.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the adverbs of frequency in English?
Always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely (or seldom), and never, from 100% frequency down to 0%.
Where do adverbs of frequency go in a sentence?
Right before the main verb in most cases: "She always drinks coffee."
Where do they go with the verb to be?
After to be, not before: "He is usually late," not "He usually is late."
Can they be used at the start of a sentence?
Only some of them: usually, normally, sometimes, and occasionally can. Always, never, rarely, and seldom are not used at the start.
What are some examples of adverbs of frequency?
"I always brush my teeth before bed." "She is never late." "They sometimes go to the beach on weekends."
Why can't you put the frequency adverb at the end in English?
Because English has a fixed position for these adverbs (before the main verb, or after to be/auxiliaries), unlike languages where the position is much more flexible.
Practice adverbs of frequency with real audio
Interactive exercises, real pronunciation, and the full lesson taught in English.