Adverbs of Frequency
An adverb is a word that usually tells more about a verb or it gives more information about the verb. There are some types of adverbs. One of them is adverbs of frequency, which we discuss in this article.
What are adverbs of frequency?
By adverbs of frequency, we mean the number of occurrences.
Adverbs of frequency tell the number of occurrences of something. In simple
words, they tell us how often something happens. The word that is used to
answer the question “How often does something happen?” is called an adverb of frequency.
- They never smoke.
- I visit my uncle twice.
- She often takes tea with biscuits.
- I always study English for three hours.
- We meet to discuss the progress weekly.
Types of Frequency Adverbs
Adverbs of frequency are categorized as adverbs of definite
frequency and adverbs of indefinite frequency.
Adverbs of Definite Frequency
An adverb of definite frequency is one that tells us the
specific frequency of occurrence.
- Once, twice, weekly, monthly
- We have two casual leaves monthly.
- You have to check up once a month.
Adverbs of Indefinite Frequency
An adverb of indefinite frequency is one that does not tell the
exact frequency of occurrence.
- Always, often, usually, sometimes
- He often goes to the office by bus.
- He never comes late.
Percentage-wise Frequency of Adverbs of Indefinite Frequency
|
Adverbs |
Frequency |
|
Always |
100% |
|
Usually |
90% |
|
Generally/normally |
80% |
|
Frequently/often |
70% |
|
Sometimes |
50% |
|
Occasionally |
30% |
|
Seldom |
10% |
|
Rarely/hardly
ever |
5% |
|
Never |
0% |
Position of Adverbs of Frequency
Before the Main Verb
When there is just one verb in a sentence, we use adverbs of
frequency in the middle of the sentence before the verb.
- I often visit my father-in-law.
- He always studies for five hours.
After the Verb Be
We usually place adverbs of frequency after the verb "Be" in
a sentence. This rule is not applied in short answers and if the adverbs of
frequency are used at the beginning or at the end of the sentence.
- Ali is not usually late.
- I am never asked to speak.
Between the Helping Verb and the Main Verb
When we have both the auxiliary verb and the main verb in a
sentence, we put the adverbs of frequency between the auxiliary verb and the
main verb.
- People can often complain about the facilities provided by the government.
- He should always appreciate your kind gesture.
Before Used to and Have to
Adverbs of frequency are put before ‘used to’ and ‘have to’
in a sentence.
- We always have to be more careful about our children.
- We sometimes used to go on hiking.
At the Beginning or End
We can place adverbs of frequency at the beginning or end of
the sentence.
- Generally, we speak in formal language
at the office.
- We visit Karachi frequently.
Usually, sometimes, normally, occasionally, often, and
frequently are used at the beginning or end of the clause.
- Sometimes, we ignore some of our
friends.
- We ignore some of our friends sometimes.
Seldom, rarely, hardly ever, and never are placed at the end
of the sentence. In some cases, they are used at the beginning of the polemic
sentences with changed sentence structure.
- Never have I told you!
- Rarely do we call you.
In Questions
Adverbs of frequency are placed before main verbs in the form
of questions. Most people don’t use “never”, “seldom”, or “rarely” in
questions.
- Do you often visit your relatives?
- Does she usually eat eggs while having breakfast?
In Negatives
Similarly, as in questions, we put adverbs of frequency before main verbs. Remember that adverbs of negative senses are not used in negative sentences.
- We don’t often visit our relatives.
- She does not usually eat eggs while having breakfast.
Position of Definite Frequency Adverbs
We typically put adverbs of definite frequency at the end of
the sentences. In some cases especially for emphasis or style, we place them at
the beginning of the sentences. Definite frequency adverbs are not placed in
the middle of the sentences.
- Many schools receive tuition fees yearly.
- We go to school daily.
- Every day, I buy candies for my
children.
