Adverbs of frequency: affirmatives/questions: mid-position

The normal position of most adverbs of indefinite frequency is 'after an auxiliary or before a full verb'. This means:

- after be when it is the only verb in a sentence [but > 7.40.6]: / was never very good at maths

- after the first auxiliary verb when there is more than one verb: You can always contact me on 032 5642.

- before the main verb when there is only one verb: Gerald often made unwise decisions

These adverbs usually come before used to, have to and ought to:

We never used to import so many goods. They can also come before a to-infinitive, though this is formal:

You ought always to check your facts when you write essays In questions, these adverbs usually come after the subject:

Do you usually have cream in your coffee?

Adverbs of frequency: negative sentences: mid-position

Not must come before always and it commonly comes before generally, normally, often, regularly and usually:

Public transport isn't always very reliable

We don't usually get up before nine on Sundays The following is also possible with slightly different emphasis:

We usually don't get up before 9 on Sundays. Not must come after sometimes and frequently:

Debbie is sometimes not responsible for what she does Some frequency adverbials such as almost always, nearly always and occasionally are not used in the negative.

Adverbs of frequency: end position

'Affirmative adverbs' can be used at the end of a sentence:

/ get paid on Fridays usually We can use often at the end in questions and negatives:

Do you come here often? I don't come here often Always may occur at the end, but in the sense of 'for ever':

/'// love you always. The 'negative adverbs' rarely and seldom can sometimes occur at the end, especially when modified by only or very:

Nowadays, we drive down to the coast only rarely