Keywords & Frequency

Unlock the secrets of when and how often things happen using adverbs and time expressions.

Instructor: Mr. Walid Yousef
1

The Frequency Scale

We use adverbs of frequency to say how often we do something. Think of it like a battery percentage!

Always
100%
Usually
90%
Often
70%
Sometimes
50%
Hardly ever
20%
Never
0%

The Position Rules

Where do these words go? It depends on the verb!

Rule 1: Action Verbs

Before the main verb.

I always drink coffee.
Rule 2: Verb To Be

After the verb "to be".

He is never late.

Common Mistakes

I go always to the park.

I always go to the park.

2

Exact Frequency: "How many times?"

When we want to count the exact number of times, we use specific phrases. These usually go at the END of the sentence.

1

Once

"One time"

I swim once a week.
2

Twice

"Two times"

We eat out twice a month.
3+

Three times...

Four times, Five times...

He calls three times a day.
3

Prepositions of Time

Why use these with Present Simple?

The Present Simple describes your routines and habits (what you do). We use these prepositions to say exactly when those routines happen in your schedule.

Formula: Routine + Preposition + Time
"I start work at 9:00 AM."

The "Every" Family

We use Every + [Time] to show repetition. These phrases go at the end (or sometimes very beginning) of the sentence.

Every day
Every week / month / year
Every morning

The Pyramid: IN - ON - AT

AT

Very Specific Times

  • at 5:00 PM
  • at night
  • at the weekend (UK)
  • at Christmas (the holiday period)
ON

Days & Dates

  • on Mondays
  • on my birthday
  • on July 4th
  • on Christmas Day
IN

Long Periods

  • in the morning / afternoon
  • in summer / winter
  • in 2024
  • in September
4

Word Order Master

Combine them perfectly! Where does everything go?

Subject
She
+
Adverb
usually
+
Verb
plays
+
Object
tennis
+
Time Phrase
on Fridays
Challenge

Keywords Quiz

15 Questions to test your mastery