Adverbs of frequency and how to use them

Adverbs of frequency

These adverbs are useful for talking about your habits, routines, or how frequently you do certain activities. They usually come before the main verb in a sentence. Adverbs of frequency are words used to describe the frequency or regularity of an action. They help us understand how often something happens or is done. Below are some common adverbs of frequency explained in simple English:

- Usually:  This adverb suggests that something occurs most of the time. For example, "She usually walks to school."

- Often:  This adverb implies that something happens many times. For instance, "He often goes for a run in the morning."

- Sometimes: This adverb means that something happens occasionally, but not all the time. For instance, "They sometimes watch movies on weekends."

- Seldom/Rarely: These two adverbs indicate that something does not happen very often. For example, "I seldom eat fast food."

- Never: This adverb means that something does not happen at any time. For instance, "We never skip breakfast."

These adverbs are useful in talking about habits, routines, or the frequency of certain activities. They usually come before the main verb in a sentence.

Examples of how to use adverbs of frequency 

1. Always:

   • "I always drink a glass of water first thing in the morning."
   • "She always checks her email as soon as she gets to the office."
   • "They always say 'thank you' after a meal."

2. Usually:

   • "He usually takes the bus to work."
   • "We usually have dinner around 7 PM."
   • "I usually read a book before going to sleep."

3. Often:

   • "She often goes for a walk in the park after lunch."
   • "They often visit their grandparents on weekends."
   • "I often bake cookies on Sunday afternoons."

4. Sometimes:

   • "He sometimes forgets to turn off the lights when leaving the room."
   • "We sometimes go out for dinner instead of cooking at home."
   • "I sometimes watch movies late at night."

5. Seldom/Rarely:

   • "She seldom eats fast food."
   • "He rarely misses an opportunity to go hiking."
   • "They seldom argue about small things."

6. Never:

   • "I never drink coffee after 6 PM."
   • "He never forgets his friends' birthdays."
   • "We never skip our morning exercise routine."

Conversation using adverbs of frequency  

Alex: Hey, do you always get up this early for a run?

Sam: Not always, but I usually try to. It’s a great way to start the day. What about you?

Alex: I often go for a jog in the evening. Mornings are not my thing.

Sam: I've noticed you sometimes bring lunch to work. Do you like cooking?

Alex: Yeah, I sometimes cook at home. It's healthier. But I seldom have time during the weekdays, so it's more of a weekend activity.

Sam: I rarely cook. I should probably start. Eating out has become a habit for me.

Alex: I never eat breakfast, though. I just can't eat first thing in the morning.

Sam: Really? I never skip breakfast. It's my most important meal of the day.

Alex: Everyone's different, I guess. But we usually have coffee together in the morning, don't we?

Sam: That’s true. Our little office tradition.