Adverbs of frequency with examples

What are adverbs of frequency?

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something occurs. They help us to answer questions such as: How often do you study English? or How often do you practice physical exercises? 

Form/Structure:

The adverb of frequency goes before the main verb:

• I always go to the gym.
• Lucas usually has business trips. 

Adverb of frequency goes after verb be: 

• Sandra is often early for her job. 
• Carol Artilheiro is usually tired on Friday.

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Negative sentence with the auxiliary and verb be

DON'T/DOESN'T

The adverb of frequency goes between the auxiliary and the main verb:

Barbara and Sabrina don't usually leave the office during their lunchtime.

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Or you can also say: Cesar rarely leave the office during his lunchtime.

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WITH VERB BE:

Use this structure with verb be in negative sentences: Subject + verb be + adverb + not 

• Guil is usually not late for his classes

To make a question with an adverb of frequency, place the adverb of frequency after the subject.

DO/DOES: Auxiliary + Subject + adverb of frequency + main verb

• Do you always have a meeting with your director ?
• Does Cassius rarely travel on business?

WITH VERB BE: Verb be + Subject + adverb of frequency 

• Is Victor Inserra always busy?
• Are you frequently sleepy?

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BONUS TIP:

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Some adverbs of frequency have a negative meaning, such as: never, rarely, seldom, hardly ever. Because these adverbs already express a lack of frequency of occurrence, they are used in an affirmative sentence rather than the negative ones to avoid a double negative. 

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Have a look at these examples: 

1. Never: Indicates that something does not happen at all.
   • Example: "I am never late for work."
   • Explanation: Instead of saying: "I am not ever late for work," which is weird, we use "never" to keep the sentence clear and concise.
2. Rarely: Indicates that something happens not frequently.
   • Example: "She rarely eats fast food."
   • Explanation: Instead of saying "She does not often eat fast food," we use "rarely" to convey the not frequent occurrence directly.
3. Seldom: Indicates that something happens very infrequently.
   • Example: "They seldom go to the beach."
   • Explanation: Instead of saying "They do not often go to the beach," "seldom" makes the sentence more straight. 
4. Hardly ever: Indicates that something almost never happens.
   • Example: "He hardly ever misses a meeting."
   • Explanation: Instead of saying "He does not often miss meetings," using "hardly ever" simplifies the expression.