Frequency adverbs with be vs other verbs

Master frequency adverbs in English with clear rules for the verb be and for other verbs. Learn correct placement in affirmative and negative sentences, how to use do/does, and the key exceptions with always, never, usually, often, sometimes, and rarely—all with real examples you can reuse at work.

Why do frequency adverbs change position with the verb be?

With most verbs, the adverb comes before the verb. With the verb be, the adverb comes after be. Focus on these two core patterns and you will avoid common mistakes.

What is the structure with most verbs?

• Pattern: subject + frequency adverb + verb + complement.
• Example: Ivan usually starts work at 6:00 AM.
• Example: Nathan rarely forgets his tasks.
• Example: We never lose important files.
• Example: Maggie often writes in the chat.
• Key vocabulary: subject, verb, complement, frequency adverbs.

What is the structure with be?

• Pattern: subject + be (am/is/are) + frequency adverb + complement.
• Example: Ivan is usually in meetings.
• Example: Automation tools are sometimes slow.
• Example: The data team is often busy in the afternoon.
• Example: We are rarely in a meeting together.

How do negatives with be work?

• Pattern: subject + be + not + frequency adverb + complement.
• Example: Prototypes aren't always easy to use.
• Example: Data files aren't often small.
• Example: The process isn't always fast.

How do negatives with do/does and be place frequency adverbs?

Use do/does for negatives with most verbs, then place the adverb correctly. Remember who takes does and who takes do.

When do we use do or does in negative sentences?

• Use does for third person singular: she/he/it.
• Use do for I/we/they/you.
• Pattern: subject + frequency adverb + do/does + not + verb + complement, or move the adverb after don't/doesn't when allowed.
• Example: He sometimes does not have time in the afternoons.
• Example: I often don't answer messages during lunch.

Why can't we use never with don't or doesn't?

• Do not combine never with don't/doesn't.
• Wrong: "Paolo never doesn't go home late.".
• Correct: "Paolo never goes home late.".
• Reason: never is already negative.

Where do always, usually, often, sometimes go in negatives?

• Always goes after don't/doesn't.
  • Correct: I don't always meet clients in person.
  • Correct: I don't always turn my camera on.
  • Not: "I always don't turn my camera on." (that means you never do it).
• Usually/often/sometimes can go before or after don't/doesn't.
  • Correct: I usually don't call customers.
  • Correct: I don't usually call customers.

Which sentence is correct in these examples?

Test your understanding with quick checks and apply the rules above.

• Never with negatives (double negative error).

  • Options: "The team never doesn't follow the process." / "The team never follows the process." / "The team doesn't never follow the process.".
  • Correct: "The team never follows the process.". Reason: do not mix never with doesn't.

• Position with most verbs (adverb before the verb).

  • Options: "The HR team always welcomes new employees on Monday." / "The HR team welcomes always new employees on Mondays." / "The HR team welcomes usually new employees on Monday.".
  • Correct: "The HR team always welcomes new employees on Monday.". Reason: with most verbs, the adverb goes before the verb.

• Flexible placement with don't.

  • Options: "Developers don't usually ignore bugs." / "Developers usually don't ignore bugs." / "Developers are usually ignore bugs.".
  • Correct: First two. Reason: usually can go before or after don't. The last is wrong because be + adverb + base verb is not used here.

• Position with be (adverb after be).

  • Options: "The sales team is nervous rarely in client calls." / "The sales team rarely is nervous in client calls." / "The sales team is rarely nervous in client calls.".
  • Correct: "The sales team is rarely nervous in client calls.". Reason: with be, place the adverb after be.

Have a question or an example to check? Share it in the comments and practice with your own sentences.