Adverbs of Frequency: Position Rules

Level A2 · Adjectives & Adverbs

Adverbs of frequency (always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, etc.) say how often something happens. Unlike most adverbs, they don't simply go at the end of a sentence — their position depends on what kind of verb they're modifying, and getting this wrong is one of the most common mistakes learners make. I always am tired sounds wrong to a native ear. I am always tired is correct.

Where adverbs of frequency go:

• With the verb be, the adverb goes after be: She is often late. They are never on time. I am usually home by six.
• With all other (ordinary) verbs, the adverb goes before the main verb: She often arrives late. I usually go home by six. He rarely eats breakfast.
• With auxiliary or modal verbs (have, will, can, must, etc.), the adverb goes after the first auxiliary/modal and before the main verb: I have never been to Japan. She will always remember this day. You should always check your work.
• Sometimes, usually, often, occasionally, and normally can also go at the start or end of a sentence for emphasis, unlike always, never, rarely, and seldom, which stay in their normal mid-sentence position. Sometimes I go for a run in the morning (fine) vs Always I go for a run in the morning (wrong — Always must stay mid-sentence: I always go for a run).

The most common mistake is placing the adverb before be — I always am tired, She never is late are both wrong; be needs the adverb after it: I am always tired, She is never late. A second mistake is placing the adverb after an ordinary verb — I go always to the gym is wrong; with ordinary verbs, the adverb goes before: I always go to the gym.

Identify the verb first: if it's a form of be, the adverb comes right after it. If it's an auxiliary/modal plus a main verb, the adverb sits between them. If it's a single ordinary verb, the adverb comes right before it. Adverbs like sometimes, often, usually, occasionally, and normally are more flexible and can also open or close a sentence for emphasis.

Practice

Adverbs of Frequency: Choose the Right Position · Mixed Practice