9 Important Adverbs of Frequency for ESL Learners

We use adverbs of frequency to say how often we do something. Adverbs of frequency are often used with the Present Simple because they indicate repeated or routine activities.

Adverbs of Frequency

• 100% – always – She likes dancing. She always goes to the night club to dance.
• 90% – usually – They usually quarrel. I rarely see them in good terms with each other.
• 80% – normally / generally – I normally go to the gym.
• 70% – often* / frequently – They often go out for dinner.
• 50% – sometimes – I don’t mind going to the theater. I sometimes go with my husband.
• 30% – occasionally – I occasionally eat junk food.
• 10% – seldom – I seldom read the newspaper.
• 5% – hardly ever / rarely – I hardly ever drink alcohol.
• 0% – never – I never go to the cinema. I don’t like it. / Never say never. (proverb)

The position of Adverbs of Frequency

Generally speaking, adverbs of frequency come before the main verb except for the main verb “to be”:

• I sometimes visit my uncle.
• We have often seen him pass by the house.
• They are seldom at work.

Occasionally, sometimes, often, frequently and usually can also go at the beginning or end of a sentence:

• Sometimes they visit him.
• I miss him occasionally.

Rarely and seldom can also go at the end of a sentence (often with “very”):

• We see them rarely.
• John eats meat very seldom.

Adverbs of Frequency | Infographic