Adverbs of frequency.

Position in a sentence

The adverbs of frequency often modify verbs that are in the present simple tense, which is many times
used to talk about habits, general facts, and timetables. However, we can also use them with other verb
tenses: present tenses, past tenses, or future tenses.

- adverbs of frequency can be of two types: definite (every day/month/year/summer etc., every
two days/years etc. (o data la doua zile/ doi ani etc.), on Sundays, once a month, twice a week,
three times a year, at the weekends, monthly (= lunar) etc.) or indefinite (always, usually, often,
sometimes, seldom, never etc.)

Depending on whether they are definite or indefinite, adverbs of frequency can occupy different
positions in a sentence:

 adverbs of definite frequency usually go at the end of the sentence:

They go to the doctor’s yearly.

I have breakfast every day.

- sometimes (for example, when we want to emphasize that adverb), some adverbs of frequency
may go at the front:

Every year, more than 100 million animals are killed by hunters in the US.

 adverbs of indefinite frequency occupy different positions in a sentence:

1. before the main verb:

He usually goes to the market in the morning.

John and Mary never drink coffee.

They seldom, if ever, read newspapers.

He never invited me to his parties. (Past Simple)

!!! There are frequency adverbs such as “never, always, seldom, often, frequently, occasionally,
normally, once, twice” etc. can also be used with Past Tense Simple.
!!! Some indefinite frequency adverbs (always, never, usually, sometimes, seldom) can also go at the
beginning or end of the sentence, when we want to emphasize that adverb (especially when they go at
the beginning):

Always brush your teeth in the morning!

Usually, I go to the movies on Sundays, but not this time.

Never have I felt so insulted!

Seldom had he seen such a beauty!

He comes up to visit sometimes./ Sometimes, he comes up to visit. (or: He sometimes comes up to visit.)

- even though it is the least common position, and sounds very formal, sometimes “often” is
added in the front position:
We used to see him on the beach. Often he would go for a swim, then he would come and
talk to us.

- we can emphasize “often” with “very” or “quite”:

Mary is old and she quite often forgets things. (or: “… she forgets things quite often.)

2. Most times, after the verb “to be”:

We are always on time for our guitar classes.

They were never hungry.

3. between the auxiliary and the main verb:

John doesn’t usually ride the bike. (Present Simple, negative)

Do you ever buy comics? (Present Simple, interrogative)

They will always support us. (Future Simple)

I have never read this book. (Present Perfect Simple)

We were sometimes walking on the beach. (Past Continuous)

4. before “used to” and “have to”

I sometimes used to go the park and walk for hours.

They usually had to borrow a carriage because they didn’t have one.

Idioms and collocations:

1. often

as often as not/ more often than not = ca de obicei – As often as not, he’s late for work.

every so often = occasionally, sometimes – Every so often I heard a noise outside.

once too often = de prea multe ori (ai exagerat!)- I think you ask for their help once too often.

2. Always

 can/could always…, there’s always…

used to suggest a possible course of action

If it doesn't fit, you can always take it back. (= ai posibilitatea/ varianta de a-l returna)

If he can't help, there's always John. (= exista varianta de a apela la John)

 as always

as usually happens or is expected:

o As always, Polly was late for school.

 once a…, always a…

used to say that somebody cannot change:

o Once an actor, always an actor.

2. Never

 Never in (all) my life have I seen such a horrible thing.

Never ever tell anyone your password.

Never before has English cuisine been so stylish.

Most people have never even heard of Iggy.

 never say never

used to say that nothing is impossible:

o Many thought the book could not become a movie, but with Hollywood never say never.

3. Ever

 Nothing ever happens here.

Don't you ever get tired?

If you're ever in Miami, come and see us.

‘Have you ever been to Rome?’ ‘Yes, I have, actually. Not long ago.’

She hardly ever (= almost never) goes out.

We've only ever talked on the phone.

I don't think I ever really thanked you properly.

He wondered whether it would ever actually happen.

We see them very seldom, if ever.

(informal) I'll never ever do that again!

I'm never speaking to you ever again!

 used for emphasis when you are comparing things:

It was raining harder than ever.

Consumers today have more choices than ever before.

It's my best-ever score.