Adverbs of frequency expresses how often we do something. They generally occur in present simple sentences since they talk about habits and routines.

 

Frequency	Adverb
100%	always
98%	almost always
85%	usually, normally, regularly
75%	frequently, typically
66%	often
25%-33%	sometimes
10%	occasionally
5%	seldom, rarely
2%	hardly ever, almost never
O%	never

 

Adverbs of Frequency in Negative Sentences with I, We, You, They

1. Note: negative sentences involving adverbs of frequency are generally confined to always, often, usually, normally, frequently (and never).

I/We/You/They always/usually/often Her admirals/Owls+ don’t+ normally/frequently+ verb-1 Wendy and Peter Viruses/Germs never

Note: Usually, normally, sometimes, and occasionally can also come in the front or end of a sentence, or before don’t.

Examples:
• I don’t always check my email, so call me.
• Mr. and Mrs. Giraudoux don’t usually watch TV; normally they read, paint, or go walking.
• Occasionally, the car brakes don’t work.
• The explorers never shave while they are on an expedition.

Colloquial or “bad” English: I don’t never smoke.
Good English: I don’t smoke. Or, I never smoke.

 

Adverbs of Frequency in Negative Sentences with She, He, It

She/He/It always/usually/often Ann/The tax collector + doesn’t+ normally/frequently+ verb-1 His team/Our manager never

Examples:
• Normally their CEO doesn’t wear blue jeans.
• The anatomy professor doesn’t often visit his relatives because he’s very busy.
• My dad frequently doesn’t come home until late in the evening.
• Odumegwu doesn’t teach English usually. Normally he teachers French.

 

 

Respond to the Following Statements

Respond with that’s true, that’s false/not true, I agree, I disagree, yes, no, yes and no, maybe, sometimes, not always, in the middle, it depends, perhaps, in a way.

Make any necessary changes or “corrections”. Say why and give examples.

 

1. People in my city normally wear modern style clothes. They don’t wear traditional clothes.

2. My neighbors always say “hello” to me when we see each other.

3. Sometimes businesses overcharge customers. Local merchants sometimes charge too much money.

4. Government officials very often don’t tell the whole story. They often hide information or the truth the public

5. Residents of my city don’t typically drive to work or school. Locals usually walk or take the bus or train.

6. Successful individuals often do not have a university degree. They often only have a high school diploma.

 

 

7. Government agencies don’t always provide the most efficient services. Government offices are usually slow and inefficient.

8. Our office staff usually wears formal attire (suits), except on Fridays.

9. My friends don’t often stay home. My friends often go to pubs, clubs, bars or cafes.

10. People usually don’t save much of their earnings (income). People typically spend all their money.

11. Most of the population normally work for companies. Only a few are entrepreneurs or self-employed.

12. My friends don’t regularly go to ballets and operas . . . but they regularly go to shopping malls, movie theaters and pop concerts!