Below are a few rules that tell us where to place adverbs of frequency in a sentence:

 

✅ Rule 1: If the sentence has one verb in it (no auxiliary verb) we usually put the adverb in the middle of the sentence, after the subject and before the verb:

 

subject - adverb - verb

- James usually walks to work.

- Marina rarely does her homework.

 

✅ Rule 2: The adverb usually comes after the verb to be:

 

subject -  verb - adverb

- Ray is often late. 

- Annie isn’t usually late.

 

This is not the case if we put the adverb at the beginning or end of the sentence for emphasis. This rule also does not apply to short answers:

 

“Is he usually on time?” - “Yes, he usually is.”

 

“Tell him not to be late.” - “Don’t worry, he never is.” 

 

This rule can also be broken in other cases:

 

“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at school?”

“I normally am at school at this time, but my teacher is sick.” 

 

“You’re late again.”

“I usually am late on Mondays because the traffic is so bad.”

 

“Rob is late again.”

“He’s usually late.”

 

✅ Rule 3: If the sentence has more than one verb in it (an auxiliary verb) we usually put the adverb after the first verb:

 

subject - verb 1 - adverb - verb 2

Jane doesn’t usually smoke.

I can never remember his name.

 

However, if the sentence contains have to, the adverb goes before all verbs:

 

subject - adverb - verb 1 - verb 2

I usually have to wait for the bus.

I rarely have to buy lunch. 

 

✅ Rule 4: For greater emphasis we can put the adverb at the beginning or end of the sentence.

 

adverb -  subject - verb

Sometimes we drive to work.

Generally I try to eat healthily.

However, we can’t use always at the beginning of a sentence.

 

✅ Rule 5: When using adverbs of frequency in the question form, put the adverb before the main verb.

 

auxiliary verb -  subject - adverb - verb

Do you often go to the movie theatre?

Does he usually arrive late to class?

 

However, we can’t use never, rarely, or seldom in the question form.

 

✅ Rule 6: When using adverbs of frequency in the negative form, put the adverb before the main verb.

 

subject -  auxiliary verb -  adverb verb

They don’t often go out to dinner.

He doesn’t frequently ask questions in class.

 

Let’s practice!

 

Based on clues within the sentences, complete the following questions with the appropriate adverb of frequency.

 

1. They _______________________ drive. They don’t have a car.

 

2. I _______________________ eat ham. (Only on Christmas)

 

3. She doesn’t have a watch so she’s _______________________ late.

 

4. We _______________________ get up at 8:00, except Saturdays and Sundays.

 

5. I _______________________ play tennis. (When I have time)

 

6. I work full time. I _______________________ work on Mondays.

 

7. We go to see concerts _______________________ . (Once a year)

 

8. I take the metro to work. I _______________________ walk.

 

9. I hate texting. I _______________________ prefer to call people.

 

10. Jessica lives next door so we _______________________ see her.

 

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