1. Overview:
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They help us understand regular actions in our daily lives. We use them with the present simple tense.
2. Cases of Usage:
Case 1: Always - This means 100% of the time.
Example: I always eat breakfast.
Case 2: Usually - This means about 80% of the time.
Example: She usually goes to school by bus.
Case 3: Often - This means about 60% of the time.
Example: They often watch movies.
Case 4: Sometimes - This means about 40% of the time.
Example: We sometimes play soccer.
Case 5: Rarely - This means about 20% of the time.
Example: He rarely eats fast food.
Case 6: Hardly ever - This means almost never, about 10% of the time.
Example: I hardly ever drink soda.
Case 7: Never - This means 0% of the time.
Example: She never eats chocolate.
Note: we don't say "we don't never go to the gym."
3. Exceptions or Things to Pay Attention To:
Adverbs of frequency usually go before the main verb but after the verb "to be."
Example: I am always happy. (not "I always am happy.")
Example: They often play soccer. (not "They play often soccer.")
4. Additional Notes:
Remember that "never" and "always" are strong adverbs. They show clear extremes. Be careful not to confuse "rarely" and "hardly ever" as they both mean infrequently, but "hardly ever" implies even less frequency than "rarely."
5. Note the word order in interrogative sentences:
- Do you usually watch this TV show?
- Are you always tired after school?
