8 Patterns for "Adverbs of Frequency" (Where Do They Go?)

One of the most common questions English learners ask is surprisingly simple: where do adverbs of frequency go in a sentence? Words like always, usually, often, sometimes, and never appear everywhere in daily English, but placing them incorrectly can make even a correct sentence sound unnatural.

The good news is that English doesn’t place adverbs of frequency randomly. There are clear sentence patterns that native speakers follow instinctively. Once you understand these patterns, your sentences will immediately sound more fluent and confident.

In this usage guide, you’ll learn 8 essential sentence patterns that show exactly where adverbs of frequency go. Each pattern is explained step by step with natural examples you’ll hear in real conversations, not textbook-only English.

What Are Adverbs of Frequency?

Adverbs of frequency describe how often something happens. They answer questions like How often? or How frequently?

Some of the most common adverbs of frequency include:

• always
• usually
• often
• sometimes
• rarely
• seldom
• never

These words may look simple, but their position in a sentence changes depending on the verb, tense, and structure.

Pattern 1: Before the Main Verb

The most common pattern is placing the adverb of frequency before the main verb.

I usually wake up early during the week.

She often forgets where she left her keys.

This pattern works for most verbs in the present simple and past simple. If you remember only one rule, remember this one.

Pattern 2: After the Verb “To Be”

When the main verb is a form of to be (am, is, are, was, were), the adverb of frequency goes after the verb — not before it.

He is always late for meetings.

They are usually very friendly.

A common mistake is placing the adverb before to be. Native speakers almost never do this.

Pattern 3: Between an Auxiliary Verb and the Main Verb

When a sentence includes an auxiliary verb such as have, has, will, can, or should, the adverb of frequency usually goes between the auxiliary and the main verb.

I have never seen that movie before.

She will always support her team.

This pattern is extremely common in perfect tenses and modal constructions.

Pattern 4: Before the Main Verb in Negative Sentences

In negative sentences, adverbs of frequency usually appear before the main verb, but after words like don’t, doesn’t, or didn’t.

I don’t usually drink coffee in the evening.

He didn’t often talk about his past.

Notice how the adverb fits naturally between the negative auxiliary and the main verb.

Pattern 5: At the Beginning of a Sentence (For Emphasis)

Some adverbs of frequency — especially sometimes, usually, and often — can appear at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or style.

Sometimes I forget how fast time passes.

Usually, we meet near the station.

This pattern is common in spoken English and informal writing. It sounds natural when used occasionally, but overusing it can feel repetitive.

Pattern 6: At the End of a Sentence

Some frequency expressions, especially longer ones, naturally appear at the end of a sentence.

I go to the gym every day.

We meet for lunch once a week.

While single-word adverbs like always rarely go at the end, phrases like every day or from time to time commonly do.

Pattern 7: With Questions

In questions, adverbs of frequency usually appear after the subject, following the same logic as statements.

Do you usually work on weekends?

Is she always this quiet?

Question structure can feel tricky, but the adverb placement still follows familiar patterns.

Pattern 8: “Never” as a Special Case

Never deserves special attention because it already carries a negative meaning. For this reason, it is not used with negative verbs.

I never eat fast food.

He has never been to Europe.

Saying “I don’t never” is considered incorrect in standard English, even though it may appear in some dialects.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

Even advanced learners struggle with adverbs of frequency. Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Placing the adverb in a random position
• Using “never” with negative verbs
• Putting the adverb before “to be”
• Overusing sentence-initial placement

These mistakes don’t usually block understanding, but they make sentences sound less natural.

How Native Speakers Choose Placement Naturally

Native speakers don’t think about rules — they think about rhythm and clarity. Adverbs of frequency usually sit close to the verb they modify, which makes the sentence easier to process.

If you’re unsure where to place an adverb, ask yourself: Which verb is this describing? Then place the adverb as close to that verb as the pattern allows.

Final Thoughts: Patterns Create Confidence

Adverbs of frequency may look small, but they play a huge role in how natural your English sounds. Once you understand these eight patterns, you’ll stop guessing — and start speaking with confidence.

Practice a few patterns at a time, listen for them in real conversations, and don’t be afraid to self-correct. With repetition, correct placement will become automatic.