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How often do you do these activities:

1. exercise
2. eat out at a restaurant
3. get up early
4. use social media
5. arrive late to school or work

So last Friday, I went on my very first date with Emily. I was excited, but I was also very nervous because her father invited me into the living room before we left. Now, I don’t usually panic when I meet new people, but I could tell right away this was going to be different.

He sat me down in a chair like I was in an interrogation room. He looked serious, and he seldom smiled, which made the atmosphere even more intense. The first question he asked was, “Do you always treat your dates with respect?” I said, “Of course, sir!” Then he leaned closer and said, “Do you usually spend too much money on dinner, or do you sometimes try to save?” I answered carefully. I never want to look cheap, but I also never brag about money. “I always spend the right amount,” I replied.

Next, he asked, “Do you often forget important dates like birthdays or anniversaries?” I swallowed hard and said, “No, sir, I usually remember things like that.” Then he asked, “Do you ever stay out too late without telling anyone?” I said, “No, sir, I’m usually . . . I mean always . . . responsible about time.”

Sometimes he would pause and stare at me in silence, like he was reading my mind. He often asked the same question in different ways to see if my answer changed. I was sweating, but I reminded myself that honesty always works best.

Finally, after what felt like an hour, he said, “Alright, you may take Emily out.” I have never felt so relieved in my entire life. And believe me, I will always remember that interrogation on my first date.

We use adverbs of frequency to show how often something happens. These words describe regular habits or routines and usually come before the main verb, but after the verb “be”.

Common adverbs of frequency:

• Always (100%)
• Usually (80-90%)
• Often (60-70%)
• Sometimes (50%)
• Seldom / Rarely (10-20%)
• Never (0%)

Word Order:

• She always drinks tea in the morning.
• We often go hiking on weekends.
• They are usually on time.
• He is never late.

Understanding adverbs of frequency is important in daily communication, especially when talking about habits, routines, or expectations with others.

Here’s when it’s useful:

• Describing your own habits:
  
  • “I usually drink coffee in the morning.”
  • “I never eat fast food.”
• Talking about others:
  
  • “She sometimes forgets her keys.”
  • “They always start work at 9.”
• Listening for frequency clues:
  
  • If someone says, “He seldom calls,” you know it’s rare, and you don’t need to expect it often.
• Giving advice or feedback:
  
  • “You should always wear a helmet.”
  • “He never listens in meetings.”

These words add clarity, personality, and rhythm to speech, and help you listen for how often something happens in conversations with native and non-native speakers.

Now, practice your language skills with this interactive game.

These questions help you practice using adverbs of frequency to talk about your life and habits. Try to answer using adverbs like always, usually, often, sometimes, seldom, and never. Ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.

1. Daily Routines:
   
   • What do you always do after you wake up?
     ➤ For example: “I always brush my teeth after I eat.”
2. Food Habits:
   
   • What foods do you usually eat for lunch?
     ➤ For example: “I usually eat rice and vegetables. I sometimes have soup.”
3. Exercise and Fitness:
   
   • How often do you exercise?
     ➤ For example: “I often go running outside, so I never go to the gym.”
4. Family or Friend Time:
   
   • How often do you spend time with your family or friends?
     ➤ For example: “We usually have dinner together, and we sometimes play games after that.”
5. School or Work:
   
   • Do you ever forget your homework or something important?
     ➤ For example: “I seldom forget my homework because I’m usually organized with my school work.”
6. Technology Use:
   
   • How often do you use your phone before bed?
     ➤ For example: “I always check messages, and I sometimes watch videos before I go to sleep.”
7. Weekend Activities:
   
   • What do you usually do on the weekend?
     ➤ For example: “I usually relax, and I often visit my parents.”

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