Unit 4.2
Adverbs of Frequency
Introduction
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}.
Form
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…
Example
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.
Use
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.
Summary
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.