How to Use Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency provide information about how often an action occurs. For example, adverbs of definite frequency include: "once," "twice," "hourly," "monthly" and "yearly." Reference non-specific time frames by using adverbs of indefinite frequency, which include: "regularly," "rarely," "sometimes," and "occasionally." Follow some general guidelines when writing with adverbs of frequency to make your writing clear.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place an adverb of definite frequency at the end of a sentence.

      Examples:

      "I go skiing once a year."

      "Jack has been to China twice."

      "Lisa dusts the house weekly."

      However, an adverb of definite frequency may occasionally be placed at the beginning of a sentence for stylistic or emphatic reasons. Remember to place a comma after the adverb when using this style.

      Examples:

      "Once a year, I go skiing."

      "Twice, Jack has been to China."

      "Weekly, Lisa dusts the house."

    • 2

      Position an adverb of indefinite frequency before the main verb in a sentence.

      Examples:

      "John always wins at bingo."

      "Harry rarely orders pizza with anchovies."

      "The girls normally do their homework before watching television."

      Remember the one exception; when the main verb is a form of "to be," an adverb of indefinite frequency is placed after the verb.

      Examples:

      "They are never sad."

      "Lions are always hungry."

      "We were seldom happy about returning to work."

    • 3

      Insert an adverb of indefinite frequency between the auxiliary verb and the main verb when a sentence has more than one verb.

      Examples:

      "The boys will seldom brush their teeth when they are at camp."

      "Drivers should constantly check their rear view mirrors."

      When a sentence has two auxiliary verbs and a main verb, an adverb of indefinite frequency is placed between the two auxiliary verbs.

      Examples:

      "The teacher will always be praising her students."

      "The computer could never have made an error."

    • 4

      Put the following adverbs at the beginning or end of a sentence for style variation: "frequently," "occasionally," "often," "sometimes" and "usually." (Unlike adverbs of definite frequency, do not use commas when adverbs of indefinite frequency begin a sentence.)

      Examples:

      "Occasionally he goes canoeing."

      "Frequently they ride their bikes."

      "I sing in the shower sometimes."

      "The frog likes sitting on the lily pad usually."

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