Adverbs of frequency

1. The frequency adverbs

The frequency adverbs are those adverbs that are used to express how regularly an action occurs.

2. How are frequency adverbs used?

• In affirmative sentences, the frequency adverbs are always placed after the subject and before the main verb.
  
  Subject + frequency adverb + main verb + (complement)

  We sometimes go to the theatre.

  I always go cycling on Sundays.

  Hardly ever and never have a negative meaning and are used in affirmative sentences, as in English, we can't say no twice in a sentence.

  My puppy hardly ever pees inside the house.

  Max never wants to work.
• In negative sentences we place the frequency adverb between the auxiliary don't or doesn't and the main verb.
  
  Subject + don't/doesn't + frequency adverb + main verb + (complement)

  I don't often watch TV.

  He doesn't usually go shopping.
• In interrogative sentences, the frequency adverb will be placed between the subject and the main verb.
  
  Do/does + subject + frequency adverb + main verb + (complement)?

  Do you always go to university by bus?

  Do you usually travel?

3. Frequency adverbs with the verb to be

When we want to use a frequency adverb with the verb to be, the sentence has a different structure from the one we have detailed above.

• In affirmative sentences, the frequency adverb is placed after the verb to be. 
  
  Subject + to be + frequency adverb + complement

  Sally is always serious.

  Carl and Peter are usually angry.
• When the sentence is negative, we simply add the frequency adverb after the verb to be in the negative form ('m not, isn't and aren't).
  
  Subject + to be + not + frequency adverb + complement

  Danny isn't usually nice.

  You aren't often at home.
• In interrogative sentences, the frequency adverb will be placed between the subject and the complement.
  
  To be + subject + frequency adverb + complement?

  Why is Sally always tired?

  Are they sometimes at the beach?

Remember!