Adverbs of Frequency

Concept sheet | English Language Arts
Table of contents
Definition

An adverb of frequency explains how often something happened.

Examples

Here are some examples of adverbs of frequency:

always

constantly

frequently

often

rarely

repeatedly

seldomly

sometimes

usually

Here’s a diagram of how often things happen:

Adverbs of frequency.
Woman wandering around Times Square.
Woman sick in bed.
Tip

Adverbs of frequency can go anywhere in a sentence. The placement of the adverb does not affect the general meaning of the sentence.

For example:

Placement of adverb of frequency.
Be careful!

However, the adverbs of frequency always, ever and never, shouldn’t be placed at the beginning of a sentence.

Adequate use of always, ever and never

Improper use of always, ever and never

Margaret is always hungry.

Always is Margaret hungry.

This is the best day ever!

Ever this is the best day!

She could never swim fast.

Never could she swim fast.

The Real-Life Margaret