Word Order with Adverbs of Frequency (always, never, usually)

Adverbs of frequency (like always, never, often, usually, sometimes, rarely) tell us how often something happens. In English, they usually go before the main verb, but there are some important rules depending on the verb type.

1. With most verbs

Adverbs of frequency come before the main verb (but after the subject):

• I always eat breakfast.
• They usually go to the gym after work.

2. With the verb “to be”

If the verb is a form of to be (am, is, are, was, were), the adverb goes after the verb:

• She is always on time.
• We are never late.

3. With auxiliary or modal verbs

If the verb has a helper like can, will, have, put the adverb after the first helper:

• You can never predict the weather.
• I have always liked this song.