Adverbs of frequency

An adverb of frequency goes before a main verb

(except with To Be).

Subject + adverb + main verb

I always remember to do my homework.

He normally gets good marks in exams.

An adverb of frequency goes after the verb To Be.

Subject + to be + adverb

They are never pleased to see me.

She isn't usually bad tempered.

When we use an auxiliary verb (have, will, must, might, could, would, can, etc.), the adverb is placed between the auxiliary and the main verb. This is also true for to be.

Subject + auxiliary + adverb + main verb

She can sometimes beat me in a race.

I would hardly ever be unkind to someone.

They might never see each other again.

They could occasionally be heard laughing.

We can also use the following adverbs at the start of a sentence:

Usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally

Occasionally, I like to eat Thai food.

We use hardly ever and never with positive, not negative verbs:

She hardly ever comes to my parties.

They never say 'thank you'.

We use ever in questions and negative statements:

Have you ever been to New Zealand?

I haven't ever been to Switzerland. (The same as 'I have never been to Switzerland').

We can also use the following expressions when we want to be more specific about the frequency:

every day

once a month

twice a year

four times a day

every other week

daily

monthly

These are also known as Adverbs of DEFINITE frequency as the exact frequency is specified.

number of times + A = Time period

Once a day

Twice a week

Every + number + time period

Every two days

Every three weeks

She visits the dentist twice a year.

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