14 October 2011

Adverbs of frequency

What are adverbs of frequency?

We use adverbs of frequency to say how often we do something.
Usamos los adverbios de frecuencia para indicar con la frecuencia que hacemos algo.

 NEVER SAY NEVER
 
Adverbs of frequency are often used with the present simple  because they indicate repeated or routine activities.

Adverbs of frequency:

Always

Siempre

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Usually

Usualmente

X

X

X

X

X

 

 

Often

A menudo

X

X

X

X

 

 

 

Sometimes

A veces

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

Seldom/rarely

Raras veces

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never

Nunca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examples:

  • I often go to the cinema. 
  • They never go to the theatre. I don't like it.

Position of adverbs of frequency:

Generally adverbs of frequency come before the main verb except the main verb "to be".

Generalmente los adverbios de frecuencia se colocan delante del verbo principal, exepto con el verbo "to be" se colocan detrás.

  • I sometimes play basketball.
  • We  often eat fruit. 

    BUT: 
    •  I am seldom ill.
"Occasionally, sometimes, often, frequently and usually" can also go at the beginning or end of a sentence.

A  veces estos adverbios- occasionally, sometimes, often, frequently and usually- se colocan al principio de la frase.
  • Sometimes they visit me.
Rarely and seldom can also go at the end of a sentence (often with "very"). Purden también ir al final de la frase:
  • We see her rarely.
  • Susan eats cakes very seldom.