Mastering Adverbs of Frequency: Always, Usually, Sometimes

Welcome to your guide on Adverbs of Frequency! If you're learning English, understanding how to use adverbs of frequency like always, usually, and sometimes is essential. These adverbs help us describe how often something happens. In this article, we will explore the rules, provide clear examples, and help you practice using these important words.

What are Adverbs of Frequency?

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often an action occurs. They are usually placed before the main verb but after the verb "to be." Here are the most common adverbs of frequency:

Always - 100% of the time
Usually - 80% of the time
Sometimes - 50% of the time
Rarely - 20% of the time
Never - 0% of the time

Rules for Using Adverbs of Frequency

Here are some important rules to remember when using adverbs of frequency:

Place the adverb before the main verb: She always drinks coffee.
Place the adverb after the verb "to be": He is usually happy.

Comparison Table of Adverbs of Frequency

Adverb	Percentage	Example
Always	100%	I always wake up early.
Usually	80%	She usually goes to the gym.
Sometimes	50%	They sometimes eat out.
Rarely	20%	He rarely watches TV.
Never	0%	We never smoke.

Correct vs Incorrect Usage

Here are some examples to help you understand the correct and incorrect usage of adverbs of frequency:

✅ She always studies for her exams.
❌ She studies always for her exams.
✅ They usually play soccer on weekends.
❌ They play usually soccer on weekends.
✅ I sometimes go to the cinema.
❌ I go sometimes to the cinema.
✅ He is never late.
❌ He is late never.
✅ We rarely eat dessert.
❌ We eat rarely dessert.
✅ She always helps her friends.
❌ She helps always her friends.
✅ They usually arrive on time.
❌ They arrive usually on time.
✅ I sometimes read books.
❌ I read sometimes books.
✅ He is usually very busy.
❌ He is very busy usually.
✅ We never forget our friends.
❌ We forget never our friends.

Pro Tip: Remember to use adverbs of frequency to make your English more descriptive! They help you express habits and routines clearly.

Conclusion

Understanding and using adverbs of frequency like always, usually, and sometimes is crucial for effective communication in English. Practice using these adverbs in your daily conversations to improve your fluency. Keep these rules and examples in mind, and you'll be a pro in no time!