Adverbs of Frequency - Always, Often, Seldom
Six common adverbs of frequency are always, often, sometimes, seldom, never and ever.
How do you use them correctly in your sentences?
Adverbs of frequency must be placed after linking verbs that immediately follow after the subject of the sentence. When the sentence involves a main action verb, the adverb of frequency must be placed before the main action verb.
I am always very busy. (after linking verb "am") (subject - "I")
I always remember to lock all the doors and windows before I leave.
( before main action verb "remember")
Peter is often busy. ( after linking verb "is") (subject - "Peter")
Peter often visits his relatives. (before main action verb "visits")
The students are sometimes late for school.
(after linking verb "are") (subject - "The students")
The students sometimes disobey their teachers.
(before main action verb "disobey")
Paul is seldom at home because he travels a lot.
(after linking verb "is") (subject - "Paul")
Paul seldom watches TV. (before main action verb "watches")
Teresa is never late for work. (after linking verb "is") (subject - "Teresa")
Teresa never complains about her heavy workload.
(before main action verb "complains")
Note that "never" and "ever" comes before the auxiliaries has and have like this:
I never have any trouble with my car.
("never" comes before "have")
She never has any problem answering her teacher's questions.
("never" comes before "has")
Note: "never" and "seldom" can be used to cause an inversion like this:
Never have I seen such disgrace!
(same as "I never see such disgrace")
Seldom have I seen her looking so sad and miserable!
(same as "I seldom see her looking so sad and miserable")
Do you ever have serious problems with your students?
("ever" comes before "have")
Click on "adverbs Articles" to view other kinds of adverbs.
How do you use them correctly in your sentences?
Adverbs of frequency must be placed after linking verbs that immediately follow after the subject of the sentence. When the sentence involves a main action verb, the adverb of frequency must be placed before the main action verb.
I am always very busy. (after linking verb "am") (subject - "I")
I always remember to lock all the doors and windows before I leave.
( before main action verb "remember")
Peter is often busy. ( after linking verb "is") (subject - "Peter")
Peter often visits his relatives. (before main action verb "visits")
The students are sometimes late for school.
(after linking verb "are") (subject - "The students")
The students sometimes disobey their teachers.
(before main action verb "disobey")
Paul is seldom at home because he travels a lot.
(after linking verb "is") (subject - "Paul")
Paul seldom watches TV. (before main action verb "watches")
Teresa is never late for work. (after linking verb "is") (subject - "Teresa")
Teresa never complains about her heavy workload.
(before main action verb "complains")
Note that "never" and "ever" comes before the auxiliaries has and have like this:
I never have any trouble with my car.
("never" comes before "have")
She never has any problem answering her teacher's questions.
("never" comes before "has")
Note: "never" and "seldom" can be used to cause an inversion like this:
Never have I seen such disgrace!
(same as "I never see such disgrace")
Seldom have I seen her looking so sad and miserable!
(same as "I seldom see her looking so sad and miserable")
Do you ever have serious problems with your students?
("ever" comes before "have")
Click on "adverbs Articles" to view other kinds of adverbs.
By Susan L
On 2/21/2010 05:39:00 AM
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