Explanations » A1 Grammar Explanations » Adverbs of frequency with present simple
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Adverbs of frequency

We use adverbs of frequency with the present simple to talk about how often something happens.

Adverbs of frequency

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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. blank
  • He isn’t never late. blank
  • They hardly ever go to the library. blank
  • They don’t hardly ever go to the library. blank

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