This lesson explains the correct use of frequency adverbs, adverbs commonly used in business to describe how often something happens. Frequency adverbs include: always, usually, often, occasionally, seldom, rarely, and never.

Learn how an adverb's position in a sentence depends on whether or not a form of the verb "to be" is used. Study the exceptions for using “sometimes” and “usually.” Then take the fill-in-the-blank quiz to test your understanding of frequency adverbs. Finally, check your answers by clicking the "Check Answers" button at the bottom of the page. If you want to see the correct answers, click "Reveal Answers." To try again, click "Reset Quiz."

ADVERB LIST

100%                                    50%                                                      0%
Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Occasionally, Seldom, Rarely, Never

Rules:
1. Adverbs go after the “be” verb (is, are, was, were) in a sentence.

• I am always late for meetings.

2. Adverbs go before all other verbs (write, work, call, etc.) in a sentence.

• I usually check my email in the morning.

3.“Sometimes” can go at the beginning of the sentence or after the subject.

• Sometimes our meetings last two or three hours.
• Our meetings sometimes last two or three hours.

4. “Usually” can go at the beginning of the sentence or after the subject.

• Usually we order our supplies from an Online store.
• We usually order our supplies from an Online store.

Fill-in-the-Blank Quiz

Chose from the following words: (Each word can only be used once!)

ADDITIONAL PHRASES

All of the time (Always)
Almost all of the time (Usually)
Nearly all of the time (Usually)
Once in a while (Sometimes)
Once in a great while (Occasionally)
Once in a blue moon (Rarely)
Almost never (Rarely)
Hardly ever (Rarely)

PRACTICE

Tell someone about your daily habits. (What do you usually do? What do you always do?)

More Practice
Once you have practiced this page, you may also want to try these related pages:
Business Vocabulary Quiz 1
Business Vocabulary Quiz 2
Working Vocabulary Quiz

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