always, usually, often, never

These words answer the question How often? Here they are from most to least:

• always – every time
• usually, normally – almost every time
• often – many times
• sometimes – some of the time
• rarely, hardly ever – almost never
• never – not one time

Where they go

They go before the main verb.

With be (am, is, are), they go after it.

With don't, doesn't, can and other helping verbs, they go between the helping verb and the main verb.

Sometimes, usually and often can also start the sentence.

Never with a positive verb

Never already means "not". Use it with a positive verb, not with don't.

Every day, once a week

Longer phrases like every day, once a week (one time) and twice a month (two times) usually go at the end.

Common mistakes

• × I go always to the gym. → I always go to the gym.
• × She always is late. → She is always late.
• × I don't never eat fish. → I never eat fish.
• × I go to the cinema one time a week. → I go to the cinema once a week.