Basics. Adverb Placement: Always, Usually, and Often: correct answers
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Do you know exactly where to put words like always, usually, and often in an English sentence? The rule is straightforward but easy to mix up: these adverbs of frequency go before main verbs (like in "I always drink coffee") but after the verb "to be" (as in "He is usually late"). They also have a specific place in questions, coming right after the subject (like in "Do you always smile?").
In this challenge, you will apply these placement rules to a variety of fun, everyday scenarios. You'll help frustrated roommates complain about burnt pizza and terrible sleeping habits, review a new barista's training manual, and even fix sentences about a superhero's daily routine and a vampire's daytime schedule.
You'll work through 10 questions in a mix of single-choice, multi-choice, drop-down, and drag-and-drop formats.
Try the quiz to check your knowledge!
Correct answers
Question 1
Choose the correct phrase to complete the text message about your chronically late friend.
Don't worry about Leo. He ___ late for everything!
The correct answer is is usually.
While adverbs of frequency go before most main verbs, they go after the verb "to be" (am, is, are). Since "Leo" is singular, we use "is" followed by "usually".
Question 2
The correct answers are She always leaves her socks on the fridge. and She is usually late for our movie nights.
Adverbs of frequency (like always, usually, and often) go before the main verb (leaves).
However, if the verb is a form of "to be" (am, is, are), the adverb goes after the verb.
Question 3
The correct answers are always sleeps and is usually.
Adverbs of frequency (like always, usually, and often) have special rules for where they sit in a sentence:
- They go before most main action verbs (he always sleeps).
- They go after the verb "to be" (he is usually).
Question 4
Complete the college student's morning confession.
I ___ three cups of coffee before my 8 AM class.
The correct answer is always drink.
Adverbs of frequency (like always, usually, and often) go before the main verb in a sentence. We also need the verb "drink" without an "s" because the subject is "I".
Question 5
The correct answers are Captain Laser always wears his cape on Tuesdays. and He often forgets where he parked his invisible jet.
For regular action verbs like wear and forget, adverbs of frequency must be placed directly before the main verb. Never place the adverb between the verb and its object!
Question 6
Complete the dog owner's diary entry by dragging the correct phrases into the blanks.
My dog, Buster, often steals my socks while I am getting dressed. His favorite hiding spots are usually under the sofa or behind the TV!
My dog, Buster, often steals my socks while I am getting dressed.
Adverbs of frequency (like often) are placed before the main verb (like steals). We also need the singular verb steals to match the singular subject Buster.
His favorite hiding spots are usually under the sofa or behind the TV!
Adverbs of frequency are placed after the "to be" verb (am/is/are).
Question 7
Help the frustrated roommate complete their complaint.
My roommate ___ the pizza when he cooks dinner.
The correct answer is often burns.
Adverbs of frequency like often belong before the main verb (burns). Because "roommate" is a singular subject (he/she), we must use the verb form ending in "s" (burns).
Question 8
The correct answers are is often and usually brings.
Remember the golden rule for adverbs of frequency:
- Place them after the verb to be (The waiter is often forgetful).
- Place them before normal action verbs (He usually brings the wrong coffee).
Also, don't forget to match the verb to the singular subject "He" by adding an "s" (brings).
Question 9
Help the vampire's roommate complain about his terrible habits by dragging the correct phrases into the blanks.
Vlad is always tired during the day, so he doesn't help with chores. He usually sleeps in his coffin until sunset!
Vlad is always tired during the day, so he doesn't help with chores.
Adverbs of frequency (like always) come after the "to be" verb (am/is/are).
He usually sleeps in his coffin until sunset!
Adverbs of frequency come before a main verb (like sleeps).
Question 10
The correct answers are Do you always smile at the customers? and Are the pastries usually fresh?
In questions, the adverb of frequency goes right after the subject.
- Do you (subject) always smile...?
- Are the pastries (subject) usually fresh?