Adverbs of Frequency: A Comprehensive Guide
Adverbs of frequency are words that describe how often an action takes place. They are used to express the frequency of an event, and they can be used to add more detail and interest to our writing and speaking. In this post, we will explore the different types of adverbs of frequency, how to use them correctly, and provide some worksheets to help you practice.
Types of Adverbs of Frequency
There are several types of adverbs of frequency, including:
- Always: used to describe an action that happens every time
- Usually: used to describe an action that happens most of the time
- Often: used to describe an action that happens frequently
- Sometimes: used to describe an action that happens occasionally
- Rarely: used to describe an action that happens infrequently
- Never: used to describe an action that never happens
- Almost always: used to describe an action that happens most of the time, but not every time
- Almost never: used to describe an action that hardly ever happens
- Hardly ever: used to describe an action that happens very infrequently
- Seldom: used to describe an action that happens very infrequently
How to Use Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency are used to modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They can be used in different positions in a sentence, depending on the emphasis we want to give.
- Before the verb: I often eat breakfast before school.
- After the verb: She usually studies for two hours every night.
- At the beginning of the sentence: Rarely do I eat dessert after dinner.
- At the end of the sentence: I go to the gym almost every day.
đź“ť Note: Adverbs of frequency can also be used with the present simple tense to describe habits or routines.
Worksheets
Here are some worksheets to help you practice using adverbs of frequency:
Worksheet 1: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct adverb of frequency to complete the sentence.
- I ____________________ (usually/always) eat breakfast before school.
- She ____________________ (often/rarely) studies for two hours every night.
- He ____________________ (almost always/almost never) goes to the gym.
- They ____________________ (sometimes/never) eat dessert after dinner.
- I ____________________ (hardly ever/seldom) watch TV on weeknights.
Worksheet 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct adverb of frequency.
- I ____________________ eat breakfast at the weekend.
- She ____________________ studies for her exams.
- He ____________________ goes to the beach on vacation.
- They ____________________ eat out on Friday nights.
- I ____________________ play sports on the weekend.
Worksheet 3: Error Analysis
Identify the error in each sentence and correct it.
- I oftenest eat breakfast before school. ( incorrect use of adverb)
- She usually studies for two hours every night, but last night she studied for three hours. ( incorrect use of adverb)
- He almost never goes to the gym, but he went yesterday. ( incorrect use of adverb)
- They always eat dessert after dinner, but last night they didn’t. ( incorrect use of adverb)
- I rarely watch TV on weeknights, but I watched a movie last night. ( incorrect use of adverb)
| Adverb of Frequency | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Always | every time | I always eat breakfast before school. |
| Usually | most of the time | She usually studies for two hours every night. |
| Often | frequently | He often goes to the gym. |
| Sometimes | occasionally | They sometimes eat out on Friday nights. |
| Rarely | infrequently | I rarely watch TV on weeknights. |
| Never | never | She never eats dessert after dinner. |
What is the difference between "often" and "usually"?
+"Often" is used to describe an action that happens frequently, while "usually" is used to describe an action that happens most of the time. For example: "I often eat breakfast before school" (frequent action) vs. "I usually eat breakfast before school" (most of the time).
Can I use adverbs of frequency with the present simple tense?
+Yes, adverbs of frequency can be used with the present simple tense to describe habits or routines. For example: "I usually eat breakfast before school" or "She often studies for two hours every night".
How can I use adverbs of frequency to add emphasis to a sentence?
+Adverbs of frequency can be used at the beginning of a sentence to add emphasis. For example: "Rarely do I eat dessert after dinner" or "Almost never do I watch TV on weeknights". This can help to emphasize the frequency of the action.
In conclusion, adverbs of frequency are an essential part of the English language, and they can help to add more detail and interest to our writing and speaking. By understanding the different types of adverbs of frequency and how to use them correctly, we can improve our communication skills and express ourselves more effectively.
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