Adverbs of Frequency
With an ordinary main verb, many frequency adverbs appear before the verb; with main verb be, they often follow be; with an auxiliary or modal, they commonly follow the first auxiliary or modal. Front position is possible for some adverbs, especially for emphasis, while negative-frequency fronting can trigger inversion in formal styles.
Adverbs of frequency say how often something happens. Words such as always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, and never commonly use mid position, but placement changes with the verb phrase, the adverb, and emphasis.
Key details
Further guidance
Be And Auxiliaries
With main verb be, frequency adverbs often follow be: “She is often late.” With an auxiliary or modal, they commonly follow the first auxiliary/modal: “They have often visited.”
Emphasis
Sometimes and occasionally can appear at the front or end as well as in mid position. Choose the position that makes the intended scope and emphasis clear.
Main Verbs
With many simple main verbs, place the frequency adverb before the verb: “They usually arrive early.”
Negative Frequency
Hardly ever, rarely, scarcely, and seldom have negative meaning. In formal front position they can trigger subject–auxiliary inversion: “Rarely have we seen…”
Worked Example
“I often check the figures” is neutral. “Often, I check the figures twice” gives the frequency adverb more discourse prominence.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Current grammar guidance places frequency adverbs typically in mid position and identifies common placement errors.
- Hardly ever, rarely, scarcely, seldom (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Current grammar guidance shows frequency meaning, neutral mid position, and marked formal front-position inversion.