4077 frequency adverbs

100% of
the time

always, constantly, continually
usually, normally, generally
often, frequently, regularly
sometimes,
occasionally
seldom,
hardly
ever,
rarely
never

80% of the time
60% of the time
20% of the time
5% of the time
0% of the time
The adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens.
They can be placed at various points in the sentence but are commonly used
BEFORE the main verbs and AFTER be verbs.
occasionally, sometimes, often, frequently and usually can also go at the beginning
or end of a sentence.

subject

adverb

verb

complement

complement


Jim
never
They
usually
subject
be verb
Peter
is
We
are
Look at the chart and complete the

Michael
Anna
Jim
Claire

walks
play
adverb
often
always
sentences

to school.

football
complement
late.
in a hurry.

on Sundays.
complement

usually

never

sometimes often

always

seldom

never

always

rarely

never

never

often

sometimes often

never

rarely

regularly sometimes

always

never

never

seldom

never

usually

Michael ____________ goes to school by bus but ______________ rides to
school. He ___________ goes by car. Michael likes sport and ___________ plays
soccer at playtime.
Anna ___________ rides or walks to school. She ___________ goes by car. She
is not sporty and __________ plays soccer but she _________ goes to the cinema
at weekends.
Jim ____________ goes to school on foot. He ______________ plays soccer
with his friends and ___________ goes to the cinema with them.
Claire ___________ goes to school by bicycle. She ___________ plays soccer but
__________ goes to the cinema on Sundays.

Rewrite the complete sentence using the adverb in brackets in its correct
position.
1. He listens to the radio (often)
2. Peter gets angry (never)


3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

I take sugar in my coffee (sometimes)
Peggy and Max are late (always)
The weather is bad in November (usually)
John watches tv (seldom)
Larry can go out with his friends (occasionally)
I was on time for school (regularly)

Read the passage about John. Underline the adverbs of frequency and
answer the questions.

This is John. He is a lazy boy. He always gets up late
and is often late for school. He doesn’t eat much breakfast but he usually eats
sandwiches between lessons and a lot of snacks at home in front of the television.
He never plays any games and hardly ever goes to visit his friends. He never goes to
bed before 10:00pm and often sleeps badly.

TRUE / FALSE
1. John takes a lot of exercise.
2. He often arrives late for classes.
3. He usually sleeps well.

Answer these questions.

T/F
T/F
T/F


1. How often does John play with his friends?
___________________________________
2. Why does he sleep badly?
___________________________________
3. How often does he get up late?
___________________________________