A1 Beginner Present simple
Adverbs of frequency
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can say how often you do something, and put the adverb in the right place.
When to use it
- Answering How often…?
- Describing a routine: I usually get up at six.
- Commenting on someone: He is never late.
Form
| Sentence contains | Adverb position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary verbs | before the verb | I always get up at six. |
| Verb to be (am/is/are) | sau to be | She is always late. |
| Auxiliary + verb | in the middle | I have never been to Hue. |
Step by step
- Find the main verb.
- Ask: is it to be (am / is / are)?
- If yes → the adverb goes AFTER. If no → it goes BEFORE.
The frequency scale
| Adverb | Level |
|---|---|
| always | 100% |
| usually | about 85% |
| often | about 65% |
| sometimes | about 40% |
| rarely / seldom | about 10% |
| never | 0% |
Examples
I always brush my teeth before bed.
We usually have dinner at seven.
My teacher often gives us homework.
They sometimes eat out on Friday.
Mai rarely watches TV.
He is never late for class.
My parents are always busy on Monday.
The bus is sometimes late.
Common mistakes
I go always to school by bike. → I always go to school by bike.
Vietnamese puts the adverb after the verb. English does the opposite with ordinary verbs.
She always is happy. → She is always happy.
With to be the adverb goes after. This is the one exception to remember.
I don't never eat meat. → I never eat meat.
never is already negative, so do not add don't.
Memory tip
Remember one sentence and the whole lesson is covered: She is always late, but she always comes.
Summary
- Before an ordinary verb, after the verb to be.
- always 100% → usually → often → sometimes → rarely → never 0%.
- never is already negative — never use it with don't.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.