Question 1

What are frequency adverbs and how do I use them?

Accepted Answer

Frequency adverbs tell you how often something happens. From most to least frequent, they are: always (100%), usually (90%), often (70%), sometimes (50%), rarely or seldom (10%), and never (0%). They go before the main verb in a sentence: "I usually eat lunch at one o'clock," "She rarely drinks coffee." But they go after the verb "be": "He is always happy," "We are sometimes tired." Remember that "never" already makes the sentence negative, so you do not need "don't" or "doesn't": say "I never eat fish" — not "I don't never eat fish." This is a common mistake to avoid.

Question 2

Where do frequency adverbs go in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

The position depends on the verb. With most verbs, the adverb goes between the subject and the verb: "She often reads before bed," "They always arrive early." With the verb "be," the adverb goes after it: "I am usually tired in the evening," "He is never late." In negative sentences, the adverb usually goes after "don't" or "doesn't": "I don't usually eat spicy food," "She doesn't often go out." In questions, the adverb goes after the subject: "Do you always walk to work?" "Does she usually cook dinner?" This word order sounds natural to native speakers.

Question 3

What time expressions go with present simple?

Accepted Answer

Many time expressions work with the present simple to describe regular actions. "Every" + time word: every day, every week, every month, every year, every summer. "Once / twice / three times" + time period: once a week, twice a month, three times a year. Days of the week with "on": on Mondays, on Fridays, on weekends. Parts of the day with "in": in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening — but "at night" (not "in the night"). These expressions usually go at the end of the sentence: "I exercise three times a week." They can also start the sentence for emphasis: "Every evening, she reads."

Present Simple with Time Expressions

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Present Simple Dictation: Routines and Third-Person Forms

Positive Form

Third Person -s

-ed vs -ing Adjectives

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Present Perfect