Explanation
Adverbs of frequency
We use adverbs of frequency with the present simple to talk about how often something happens.
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Position
Adverbs of frequency go before the verb, but after the verb be.
In negative sentences the adverb of frequency goes after don’t/doesn’t:
- We don’t often go to bed late.
- He doesn’t always agree with me.
In questions, adverbs of frequency go after the subject.
- Is he always late?
- Do they often go to the library?
never/hardly ever
The adverbs never and hardly ever (=almost never) have a negative meaning, but they are used with a positive verb:
- He is never late. (NOT
He isn’t never late.) - They hardly ever go to the library. (NOT
They don’t hardly ever go to the library.)
Expressions of frequency
There are other expressions that we use to talk about frequency: once a day, twice a week, three times a month, every day, etc. These expressions are longer (2 words or more) and they go at the end of the sentence.
- I brush my teeth three times a day.
- I see her every day.
