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 frequency are:

• Adverbs of indefinite frequency: now and then, seldom, occasionally, frequently, regularly, constantly…
• Adverbs of definite frequency: daily, weekly, monthly, periodically, yearly…

Adverbs of indefinite frequency

• Now and then we wash.
• 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 wear a cap.

Adverbs of definite frequency

• You go running daily.
• Martin has weekly visits from his mother.
• We do physical exercise monthly.
• He periodically complains about his inner ear.
• I pay for the ambulance service yearly.

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

• The most commonly used adverbs of indefinite frequency (not exact) are: now and then, seldom, occasionally, frequently, regularly, constantly…
• The most commonly used adverbs of definite frequency (exact) 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.