How Often?
Adverbs of frequency answer the question “How often do you do something?” They form a scale from 100% to 0%.
always — 100%
I always brush my teeth.
usually — ~80%
She usually takes the bus.
often — ~60%
We often go to the gym.
sometimes — ~40%
He sometimes works late.
rarely / seldom — ~10%
They rarely eat fast food.
never — 0%
I never drink coffee.
Word Order — Where to Place Them
Position rules
Before main verb→I always eat breakfast.
After be→She is always late.
Sometimes = flexible→Sometimes I walk to work.
He usually arrives on time.
Before main verb (arrives)
They are always happy.
After to be (are)
I never eat meat.
Never = negative meaning (no don’t!)
✗ Wrong
I don’t never eat meat.
Double negative — never already means no
✓ Correct
I never eat meat.
never alone is enough (negative meaning)
💡 Memory Hack
The “sandwich” position
These adverbs sit between the subject and the main verb — like a filling in a sandwich. Subject (bread) + always/usually/often (filling) + verb (bread). The only exception: be comes first, then the adverb. “I am always tired” not “I always am tired.” Be pushes the adverb after it.