Adverbs of Frequency Exercises - Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Occasionally, Rarely, Never

Adverbs of frequency - Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Occasionally, Rarely, Never Exercise and Quiz

These exercises focus on Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Occasionally, Rarely, Never

Illustration of Adverbs of frequency - Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Occasionally, Rarely, Never

What Are Adverbs of Frequency?

Adverbs of frequency indicate how often an action occurs. They can range from actions that happen all the time to actions that never happen. Here are some common adverbs of frequency in English:

Always: 100% of the time
Usually: about 90% of the time
Often: about 70% of the time
Sometimes: about 50% of the time
Occasionally: about 30% of the time
Rarely: about 10% of the time
Never: 0% of the time

Placement in Sentences

Adverbs of frequency usually go before the main verb but after the verb "to be."

Before the main verb:

She always drinks coffee in the morning.
They usually go to the gym after work.
I often read books at night.

After the verb "to be":

He is always on time.
We are usually busy on Mondays.
The kids are often tired after school.

Rules for Using Adverbs of Frequency

Before the main verb: Place the adverb of frequency before the main verb in the sentence.

Correct: She never eats fast food.
Incorrect: She eats never fast food.

After the verb "to be": Place the adverb of frequency after the verb "to be" (am, is, are, was, were).

Correct: They are sometimes late.
Incorrect: They sometimes are late.

Questions: In questions, adverbs of frequency usually come after the subject.

Correct: Do you often travel for work?
Incorrect: Often do you travel for work?

Negative sentences: In negative sentences, the adverb of frequency comes before the main verb.

Correct: He doesn't usually play tennis.
Incorrect: He usually doesn't play tennis.

Adverbs of Frequency in Negative Sentences

Placement in Negative Sentences

Between the Auxiliary Verb and Main Verb

In negative sentences with auxiliary verbs like "do not" or "does not," the adverb of frequency usually goes after the auxiliary verb and before the main verb.
Example: I don’t always eat breakfast.

After the Verb "to be"

If the verb is "to be" (am, is, are), the adverb comes after the negative form of "to be."
Example: He is not usually late.

Examples of Negative Sentences

Here are some examples of adverbs of frequency in negative sentences:

Adverb	Positive Sentence	Negative Sentence
Always	She always helps me.	She doesn’t always help me.
Usually	He usually walks to school.	He doesn’t usually walk to school.
Often	We often visit our grandparents.	We don’t often visit our grandparents.
Sometimes	I sometimes read before bed.	I don’t sometimes read before bed.*
Rarely	They rarely watch TV.	They don’t rarely watch TV.*
Never	She never eats meat.	She never eats meat. (Never stays the same.)

Note: Adverbs like "sometimes" and "rarely" are not typically used in negative sentences because they already suggest low frequency. Instead, use "never" or change the sentence structure for clarity.

Rules for Negative Sentences

Avoid Double Negatives

Never use "never" in a sentence with "not."
❌ She doesn’t never play sports.
✅ She never plays sports.

Keep the Meaning Clear

Negative sentences with adverbs of frequency can sometimes confuse meaning. For example:

Positive: I always forget my keys. (100% of the time)
Negative: I don’t always forget my keys. (Less than 100%, but still happens sometimes)

Everyday Use of Adverbs in Negative Sentences

Adverbs of frequency in negative sentences are helpful for discussing exceptions, habits you don’t have, or things that happen less often. Here are some common examples:

Work/School:
I don’t often miss deadlines.
He isn’t usually late for class.
Daily Routines:
We don’t always eat dinner together.
They rarely skip breakfast.
Health and Habits:
She doesn’t often exercise.
I never smoke.

Common Errors and Tips

1. Using "never" with negative verbs

❌ He doesn’t never go to the gym.
✅ He never goes to the gym.

2. Incorrect placement of adverbs

❌ She always doesn’t arrive late.
✅ She doesn’t always arrive late.

3. Confusion with "rarely" or "sometimes"

Be cautious when using "rarely" or "sometimes" in negative sentences; their meaning can become unclear. Instead, use alternatives like "never" or "not often."

Common Errors with Adverbs of Frequency

Incorrect placement: Placing the adverb of frequency in the wrong position can make the sentence sound awkward or unclear.

❌ Incorrect: She goes always to bed early. (Should be "She always goes to bed early.")
❌ Incorrect: He is never late. (Correct usage: "He is never late.")

Using double negatives: Avoid using double negatives with adverbs of frequency.

❌ Incorrect: He doesn't never go to the park. (Should be "He never goes to the park.")

Everyday Use

Understanding how to use adverbs of frequency can help you describe your habits and routines more accurately. Here are some examples of everyday conversations:

Conversation 1:

Person A: "How often do you exercise?"

Person B: "I usually exercise three times a week."

Conversation 2:

Person A: "Do you always have breakfast?"

Person B: "No, I sometimes skip it if I'm in a hurry."

Conversation 3:

Person A: "Are you often late for work?"

Person B: "No, I'm never late."

FAQ

Can adverbs of frequency be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, but it is less common. For emphasis, you can start a sentence with an adverb of frequency.

Example: "Sometimes, I like to watch movies alone."

What is the difference between "usually" and "often"?

"Usually" means something happens more frequently than "often." "Usually" is about 90% of the time, while "often" is about 70%.

Can I use adverbs of frequency with all verbs?

Yes, adverbs of frequency can be used with all verbs, but their placement may change depending on the verb type (e.g., main verb or "to be").

How do adverbs of frequency work with modal verbs (can, might, must)?

Adverbs of frequency are placed after modal verbs.

Example: "You can always ask for help."

Can two adverbs of frequency be used in the same sentence?

Generally, it's best to use one adverb of frequency to avoid confusion.

Incorrect: "She always often goes to the gym."

Correct: "She often goes to the gym."