Learn English Grammar
in 3 easy steps!
www.teacherjoe.us

How often?
Using Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often and Always

Step 1: Learn Key Sentences	a) I never drink coffee. I don't even like the smell of it! b) He rarely finishes work before 6:30. c) We sometimes go to the cinema, but not very often. d) She often visits us on the weekend. e) They always ask us before they borrow one of our books. f) I will never leave you, so you will always have a friend!
Step 2: Learn How to Use	We usually use these "adverbs of frequency" with a present tense verb. Sometimes, as in example (f) above, we use these adverbs to talk about the future, especially always and never. a) Use never when something is done 0% of the time. b) Rarely means not very often, so it could be between 1% and 20% of the time. c) Sometimes might mean 20% of the time, or 80% of the time - it is not so clear! d) Often means many times, so it could be around 50% or more of the time. e) Always should be 100% of the time, but sometimes we use it to mean "too much" when we are a little bit angry - "You're always asking me for money. Stop it!"
Step 3: Learn Sample Conversations	Conversation using adverbs of frequency A: Do you often come to this restaurant? B: Two years ago, I would always come here on Sundays, but now I'm too busy. I rarely eat here more than once a month. Are there any restaurants you like to go to? A: I sometimes have lunch at a restaurant at my office but I never eat there on weekends.