Frequency Adverbs

Always Frequently Usually Often Sometimes Occasionally Seldom Rarely Never

100% of the time about 90% of the time about 80% of the time about 70% of the time about 50% of the time about 40% of the time about 20% of the time about 10% of the time about 00% of the time

Frequency adverbs can be placed at various points in the sentence, but are most commonly used before the main verbs and after be verbs.

I always come to work on time.

They are seldom home when we call.

He’s usually eating breakfast at this time.

She’s never been to Maine.

A: Do you come here often?

B: Yes. I’m here occasionally.

A: What do you usually do here?

B: Sometimes I just sit and ponder the meaning of life.

A: Do you always carry a briefcase?

B: (Yes,) I usually do.

No, I usually don’t.

No, I rarely do.

No, I hardly ever do.

Other frequency adverbs and expressions are as follows:

Every day/week/month

Every other day/week

Once a week/month/year

Twice a year/day, etc.

(Every) once in a while

Every so often

These expressions are used at the beginning and end of sentences, not before main verbs.

Every once in a while I visit my grandmother in Minnesota.

I visit my grandmother in Minnesota every once in a while.

I every once in a while visit my grandmother in Minnesota. (Incorrect)

Regularly Normally Traditionally

(according to schedule) (commonly nowadays) (commonly in the past)

These words can come at various points in the sentence.

I regularly floss my teeth.

I floss my teeth regularly.

Traditionally, that was considered child’s play.

I normally get up around 6 o’clock.

Normally, I get up around 6 o’clock.