Posts Tagged ‘Adverbs’

Adverbs of indefinite frequency

January 21st, 2015 in English Learning

Adverbs of indefinite frequency say how often something happens. Examples are: always, ever, usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes, rarely, seldom, never and occasionally

Position of adverbs of indefinite frequency

Adverbs of indefinite frequency usually go in mid-position after auxiliary verbs and before other verbs.

Position
Auxiliary verb + adverb + other verb

I have never seen her before.
I am seldom late for work.
Have you ever been to the US?

If there are two auxiliary verbs, the adverb goes between them.

We have never been invited to one of their parties. (NOT We have been never invited to one of their parties.)

Some adverbs of indefinite frequency can also go at the beginning or end of a clause. Examples are: usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes and occasionally.

Usually I get up early. OR I usually get up early.

Adverbs like always, ever, rarely, seldom and never cannot go at the beginning or end of a sentence.

You are always late for work. (NOT Always you are late for work.) (NOT You are late for work always.)

Underline the adverbs in the following sentences:

1. She sings well.
2. The coffee is very hot.
3. Kiran is an extremely good dancer.
4. It is too hot today.
5. She speaks all foreign languages fluently.
6. The child is now happy.
7. The boy reads his lessons very carefully.
8. I visit my friend daily.
9. I will return immediately.
10. I hardly recognized my old friend.

Answers:

1. Well
2. Very
3. Extremely
4. Too
5. Fluently
6. Now
7. Carefully
8. Daily
9. Immediately
10. Hardly