Grammar A2 - Adverbs of Frequency

This video explains how to use adverbs of frequency to describe habits and routines.

Understanding Frequency

The speaker uses the analogy of phone battery life to illustrate the frequency of these terms:

• Always (100%): Happens every single time without fail.
• Usually (~80%): Happens most of the time.
• Often (60%–70%): A frequent occurrence.
• Sometimes (~50%): A toss-up.
• Rarely (Low battery): Happens only once in a blue moon.
• Never (0%): Does not happen.

Placement in Sentences

The primary challenge is knowing where to position these adverbs within a sentence:

• With Action Verbs: When using verbs like "eat," "run," or "sleep," the adverb acts as a bodyguard and must be placed directly before the verb. For example: "I always eat breakfast" or "We rarely watch TV".
• The Exception (Verb "To Be"): The verb "to be" (am, is, are, was, were) is an exception because it refuses to let anything stand in front of it. In these cases, the adverb follows the verb. For example: "You are always happy".

Practice

To master this, the speaker suggests practicing by swapping the verbs in your sentences:

1. With action verbs: "My neighbor usually cooks".
2. With the verb "to be": "My neighbor is usually home".