Frequency adverbs (e.g. often, always, never, sometimes, generally, seldom, rarely, ever, frequently etc.) usually go in the following positions:
- before the main verb
- after the verb be
- between the auxiliary verb and the main verb
- before used to and have to
Before the main verb
- I often visit my parents.
- He always buys comics.
- They hardly ever visit us.
- I seldom read foreign periodicals.
After the verb be
Subject + be + adverb + complement
- He is always late for college.
- I am often ready for work at 6 am.
- He is never worried about his finances.
- I am never asked to speak at public meetings.
- They are rarely invited to parties.
Between the auxiliary verb and the principal verb
- I have always thought of standing for election.
- He has always done justice to all.
- We shall never explore such opportunities.
- He will hardly ever appreciate your kind gesture.
- I have sometimes managed to hoodwink others.
- It has rarely caught my attention.
- They are never ready for compromise.
Notes
Used to and have to are always placed after the adverbs.
- The fire brigade always has to be ready for emergencies.
- We sometimes used to go for long drives.
When the auxiliaries are to be stressed , they are sometimes put after the adverbs.
- I often am worried about my finances.
- We never should take such risks.