Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs are nouns that function as modifiers of other elements of the clause. They can provide a wide range of information.

Adverbs of frequency are used to provide information about the frequency of an event {see Adverbs of Frequency, A1 level}.

Adverbs are usually positioned after auxiliary verbs (to be/to have) or before other verbs.

We use adverbs of frequency to describe the frequency of an event (indefinite and definite).

• The most commonly used adverbs of indefinite frequency are: now and then, seldom, occasionally, frequently, regularly, constantly…
• The most commonly used adverbs of definite frequency are: daily, weekly, monthly, periodically, yearly…

• Adverbs of indefinite frequency
  • Now and then we go to the country.
  • I seldom go to the beach.
  • He has a flat in London now, but he still comes home occasionally.
  • I frequently have headaches.
  • She exercises regularly.
  • They constantly feel bad.
• Adverbs of definite frequency
  • You go shopping daily.
  • Martin has weekly visits from his mother.
  • We get social welfare payment monthly.
  • He periodically complains about his ex-wife.
  • I pay for the ambulance service yearly.

Adverbs of frequency are also used as adverbs of time, to describe how often/frequently something happens.

Adverbs of indefinite frequency are used to express the idea about the frequency, but don´t show information of exactly how often something happens.

Adverbs of definite frequency are used to express exactly how often something happens.

Adverbs of frequency give information about the frequency of an event.

• The most commonly used adverbs of indefinite frequency are: now and then, seldom, occasionally, frequently, regularly, constantly…
• The most commonly used adverbs of definite frequency are: daily, weekly, monthly, periodically, yearly…

For example:
— “I seldom go to the gym.” = The subject (I) goes to gym only occasionally.
— “I’m periodically going to the gym.” = The subject (I) often goes to the gym.

Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.