Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency are words that tell you how often something happens, such as 'always', 'usually', 'often', 'sometimes', 'rarely' and 'never'. Year 4 pupils learn to place these adverbs correctly in a sentence, usually before the main verb but after the verb 'to be', to add detail about routines and habits.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Decide how often the action happens: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely or never.
- If the sentence uses an ordinary verb (like 'walk', 'eat', 'play'), place the adverb of frequency just before that verb.
- If the sentence uses the verb 'to be' (am/is/are/was/were), place the adverb of frequency straight after it instead.
- Check the adverb makes sense with the tense of the sentence.
- Avoid using two contradictory frequency adverbs in the same sentence, such as 'always sometimes'.
- Read the sentence aloud to check the adverb sits naturally within it.
Worked example
Add the adverb of frequency 'usually' to this sentence in the correct place: 'I walk to school.'
- Identify the main verb: 'walk'.
- Since 'walk' is an ordinary verb (not 'to be'), the adverb goes before it.
- Place 'usually' directly before 'walk'.
- Check the sentence still makes sense: 'I usually walk to school.'
- Final answer: 'I usually walk to school.'
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a English exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Insert 'often' in the correct place in this sentence: 'We visit our grandparents at the weekend.'
Explain the word order rule for adverbs of frequency, using the sentence 'She is sometimes grumpy in the morning' as an example.
Rewrite the passage below, adding the frequency adverb given in brackets in the correct place for each sentence: 'I forget my PE kit. (rarely) Dad is angry with me. (never) We are late for training. (sometimes) I remember it now. (always)'
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the adverbs of frequency worksheet pack - 11 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
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