always, usually, sometimes: Where Do Adverbs of Frequency Actually Go in a Sentence?
How would you say the sentence "I usually get up at seven"? Many people get stuck on where to put usually: Before the verb? At the end of the sentence? Or at the very beginning? In fact, as long as you remember one super simple rule, these words will automatically fall into place. Today, we'll explain adverbs of frequency clearly once and for all, so you can speak with confidence after reading.
What Are Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency are words used to describe "how often something happens." They are often used together with the present simple tense to describe habits, daily routines, and regular occurrences.
The six most common ones are arranged on a frequency ladder from "always" to "never":
- always (always, 100%)
- usually (usually, approx. 90%)
- often (often, approx. 70%)
- sometimes (sometimes, approx. 50%)
- rarely / seldom (rarely/seldom, approx. 10%)
- never (never, 0%)
Remembering them is simple: think of it as a thermometer, with always at the very top and never at the very bottom. The words in between represent the level of "heat." Whichever frequency you want to express, just pick the corresponding step on the ladder.
Golden Rule: "Before" Action Verbs, "After" the Be Verb
This is the most important sentence in the entire article, please commit it to memory:
- When you encounter an action verb (get up, eat, go, study...), the adverb of frequency is placed before the verb.
- When you encounter a be verb (am, is, are), the adverb of frequency is placed after the be verb.
First, let's look at examples with action verbs:
I usually get up at seven. (I usually get up at seven.) She always drinks coffee in the morning. (She always drinks coffee in the morning.) We sometimes watch movies on Friday. (We sometimes watch movies on Fridays.)
Notice that usually, always, and sometimes all stand right in front of the verbs get up, drinks, and watch.
Now let's look at examples with the be verb:
He is always late. (He is always late.) They are usually busy on Mondays. (They are usually busy on Mondays.) I am never angry in the morning. (I am never angry in the morning.)
Here, always, usually, and never all follow is, are, and am.
A Quick Takeaway Test
Not sure where to put the adverb? Ask yourself one question: "Is the main verb in this sentence a be verb?"
- If it is a be verb (am/is/are) → Put the adverb after it.
- If it is any other verb → Put the adverb before it.
Let's compare them side-by-side to make it clear:
I am always happy. ✓ (be verb → after) I always feel happy. ✓ (action verb → before)
The meanings of both sentences are very close; the only difference is whether the main verb is a be verb. Master this distinction, and you'll get it right in about 90% of your sentences.
When There Is an Auxiliary Verb, Put It in the Middle
If a sentence has auxiliary verbs like can, will, or do/does, the adverb of frequency is squeezed in between the auxiliary verb and the main verb:
I can always help you. (I can always help you.) She doesn't usually eat breakfast. (She doesn't usually eat breakfast.)
You will find that the rule is actually consistent: the adverb is always attached to the front of the "main verb"—it's just that be verbs and auxiliary verbs "squeeze" it to the back or the middle.
sometimes Is More Flexible
sometimes is the most easygoing of them all. In addition to its standard position, it can also be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence, and it sounds very natural:
Sometimes I walk to work. (Sometimes I walk to work.) I read before bed sometimes. (Sometimes I read before bed.)
However, always and never have more rigid personalities; they should just stay obediently next to the verb. Don't force them to the beginning or end of a sentence.
Common Mistakes
- Don't insert the adverb before the subject (except for sometimes):
Always I am tired.✗ → I am always tired. ✓ - never is already negative, so don't add don't:
I don't never eat meat.✗ → I never eat meat. ✓ - Don't forget to add -s to the verb for third-person singular: He usually walks here. ✓
How to Practice on Loopy
Once you understand the rules, truly remembering them depends on "repeated encounters." Loopy's graded courses start from A1, placing always, usually, and sometimes into sentences from real conversations and daily life scenarios—such as people talking about their day, habits, or schedules. You will naturally encounter these adverbs of frequency in their correct positions time and time again.
Combined with listening and shadowing practice, you will hear how native speakers pronounce I usually get up at seven, and then repeat after them, training your mouth to develop muscle memory. When you encounter unfamiliar words, simply open the dictionary to check their pronunciation and example sentences, and fill in the gaps right away. Finally, hand over the sentence patterns you've learned to the forgetting curve review system to schedule reviews. It will remind you just as you are about to forget, making the "before verbs, after be verbs" rule a second-nature intuition that you don't even have to think about.
Not sure which level is right for you to start with? Take a placement test first, and let Loopy help you find the perfect starting point.