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Always, usually, often, sometimes, never
A1 A1 grammar · lesson 11 of 24
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. We use them a lot with the present simple from Lessons 9 and 10.
How often?
| Adverb | How often |
|---|---|
| always | 100% — every time |
| usually | about 80–90% |
| often | about 60–70% |
| sometimes | about 30–50% |
| never | 0% — not one time |
Word order
The position of the adverb is important. In English, it usually goes in the middle of the sentence, not at the end. Look at the verb first: is it be or another verb?
- Before the main verb: I always get up early.
- After the verb be: She is often late.
- In negatives and questions, after don’t / doesn’t and after the subject: I don’t often cook. Do you usually walk to work?
Tom always has breakfast at seven.
We usually go to the park on Sunday.
Lucy often reads before bed.
I sometimes watch films in English.
My father never drinks coffee.
The bus is always full in the morning.
They are never at home on Fridays.
Does Sam often visit you?
Never is already negative
Never means «not ever», so we use a positive verb with it. Do not use don’t with never.
Sometimes and usually can also go at the start of a sentence: Sometimes we eat out. Always and never cannot go at the start in normal sentences.
Other expressions go at the end: every day, once a week, twice a month. I swim every day.
Common mistakes
✗ I go always to school by bus.
✓ I always go to school by bus.
✗ She always is happy.
✓ She is always happy.
✗ He doesn’t never eat meat.
✓ He never eats meat.