2. When we want to say how often something happens, it is common to use frequency adverbs . It is possible to use them when referring to the past, present or future, as in the following examples : We often went camping when we were children. I usually go to the gym at lunchtime. I will always love you. The most common frequency adverbs are given below: Always Usually Frequently Often Sometimes Occasionally Rarely Seldom Hardly ever Never How about and ? normally regularly And generally ?
3. I always brush my teeth before I go to bed. (=every night ) I usually have toast for breakfast. (=happens most days ) I frequently watch the news before dinner. (=it's common ) I often go to the park with my dog. (=many times ) I sometimes see him down at the shops. (=at particular occasions but not all the time ) I occasionally visit the capital. (=not happening often or regularly ) I rarely smoke cigars. (=it is not common ) I seldom have a chance to go to the theatre. (=almost never ) I hardly ever travel abroad. (=almost never ) I never work on the weekend. (=not at any time or not on any occasion )
4. Adverbs of frequency can occupy different positions in the sentence. With most verbs, the normal position is between the subject and the verb (mid-position). However, sometimes these adverbs can go into initial positions in order to have more emphasis. I usually arrive at school before 8 o’clock. Usually I arrive at school before 8 o’clock. With the verb "to be", the adverb normally comes after the verb: Pedro occasionally visits us on Sundays. She is often ill in winter. Position of Frequency Adverbs
5. I always tell him to stay away from those people. ? Always I tell him to stay away from those people. ? Always stay away from those people. ?I tell him to stay away from those people always . I sometimes heard him playing in the room next door. ? Sometimes I heard him playing in the room next door. ?I heard him playing in the room next door sometimes . ?I sometimes don’t hear him playing in the room next door. ?He has worked hard. ( never ) ?He has been working hard. ( never )