Word meaning adverb of time

ADVERBS OF TIME MEANING POSITION EXAMPLES Always refers to a frequency (time) of an action that is 100 percent After the subject • She always carries a water bottle.

• I always tell the truth.

Usually refers to a frequency (time) of an action that is close to 90 percent 1. After the subject (common)
2. At the end of the sentence • My teacher usually has fun while teaching.

• Ron doesn’t drink usually.

Frequently/Often refers to a frequency (time) of an action that is close to 75-80 percent 1. After the subject (common)
2. At the end of the sentence • Jon frequently comes to the school and meets the kids.

• She doesn’t swear often.

Sometimes refers to a frequency (time) of an action that is close to 40 percent 1. After the subject (common)
2. At the end of the sentence
3. Beginning of the sentence • He sometimes acts strangely.

• Sometimes, I feel like becoming a monk.

• Jon follows my orders sometimes.

Occasionally refers to a frequency (time) of an action that is close to 30 percent 1. After the subject
2. At the end of the sentence (common)
3. Beginning of the sentence • We occasionally wear this dress.

• They went out on a date occasionally.

• Occasionally, he would bring us pancakes.

Rarely refers to a frequency (time) of an action that is close to 20 percent 1. After the subject (common)
2. Beginning of the sentence • She rarely attended computer classes.

• Rarely do I listen to English music.

Seldom refers to a frequency (time) of an action that is close to 10 percent 1. After the subject • He seldom took us to movies.

• The teachers seldom talk about mental health.

Hardly ever refers to a frequency (time) of an action that is close to 5 percent 1. After the subject • Alex hardly ever joined the meetings.

• He hardly ever gives tips to waiters.

Never refers to a frequency (time) of an action that is zero percent 1. After the subject (common)
2. Beginning of the sentence • You should never give up on your goals.

• Never did we enjoy being at his place.

Today refers to the present day (does not indicate a specific time of the day though) 1. After the object/modifier (common)
2. Beginning of the sentence • I bought a cat today.

• Today, she feels sick.

Yesterday refers to the previous day 1. After the object/modifier (common)
2. Beginning of the sentence • The kid lost his bag yesterday.

• Yesterday, we celebrated Jon’s birthday.

Now refers to the present time 1. After the object/modifier (common)
2. Beginning of the sentence • I am coming to see you now.

• Now I understand what you are going through.

Then Refers to a past time that both the speaker and the listener know about After the object/modifier (common) • He was taking a class then. Soon Refers to a future time that’s close to the present After the object/modifier • The classes will be starting soon.

• The HR will call you soon. Be ready and available!

Tonight Refers to the night of the present day 1. After the object/modifier (common)
2. Beginning of the sentence • We are playing video games videos.

• Tonight, the Prime Minister will address the citizens.

Later Refers to an unspecific future time After the object/modifier • We will do it later. Yet Used in a negative sentence and refers to the present time After the object/modifier • I have not received my salary yet.

• Joe hasn’t arrived yet.

Daily done on a daily basis At the end of a sentence (after the object or modifier) • I meditate daily.

• He will call you daily to check on you.

Weekly done once a week At the end of a sentence (after the object or modifier) • They pay him weekly.

• We will be coming here weekly.

Fortnightly done every two weeks At the end of a sentence (after the object or modifier) • The students at the hostel pay for the food fortnightly.

The group is called fortnightly for a meeting.

Hourly done once an hour At the end of a sentence (after the object or modifier) • Some people are paid hourly. Monthly done once a month At the end of a sentence (after the object or modifier) • The teachers are told to check the papers monthly. Quarterly done once every three months At the end of a sentence (after the object or modifier) • The taxes are recorded quarterly. Yearly done once a year At the end of a sentence (after the object or modifier) • The parade at the ground happens yearly. Regularly done at a regular interval (equal amount of time space between two events) 1. After the object/modifier (common)
2. After the subject • We meet regularly to prepare for the exams and help each other.

• He regularly colors his hair.

Earlier happening or done before the usual or expected time At the end of a sentence (after the object or modifier) • She won’t come earlier; she never does.

• I created the application earlier than my friends.

• The cops had come earlier too.

Before refers to a time earlier than the other time or the present time At the end of a sentence (after the object or modifier) • I should have informed you before.

• If we had known him before, he would have been on our team.

Early before/earlier than the time that was expected At the end of a sentence (after the verb, the object, or the modifier) • We arrived early at the party.

• His part in the film came quite early.

Already to focus on the focus that something (action) was completed before something else (action) 1. After the object/modifier
2. After the subject or the helping verb (common) • The train had left already when we reached the station.

• We have already finished the assignment.

Eventually at the end of a period or process (unknown though) 1. After the object/modifier (common)
2. After the subject or the helping verb • Keep up the good work; you will get the position eventually.

• He will eventually understand his mistakes.

Finally after a long time (uncertain) 1. After the subject
2. Beginning of the sentence • Ron finally got married to Annie.

• He finally got a teaching job.

• Finally, he has left the job.

Later refers to a future time (uncertain) At the end of a sentence (after the object or the modifier) • They asked us to come later.

• We can eat later. Let’s call him first.

Lately Recently, a time in the past which is close to the present At the end of a sentence (after the verb, the object or the modifier) • He has been acting strange lately.

• Virat hasn’t been scoring runs lately.

Recently lately, refers to a time that is close to the present 1. After the subject
2. At the end of the sentence (common)
3. Beginning of the sentence • My parents recently discovered my job.

• Recently, Jane had surgery on her.

• Recently, you have been spending a lot of money.

Yet until the present time At the end of a sentence (after the object or the modifier) • She hasn’t come home yet.

• We haven’t boarded the train yet.

Just a time extremely close to the present time (a short time ago) After the subject or the helping verb • Your father has just called me.

• Simran just broke up with me.

• I have just started teaching.

Next right after something else At the end of a sentence (after the object or the modifier) • What are they doing next?

• We will open the box next.

Still used for saying that an action or a situation continues to exist up to a particular time, especially when it seems surprising After the subject or the helping verb • I am still working on my project.

• Jon was still eating lunch when the class started.

Knowing when something is happening, happened or will happen has a lot of significance in the lives of human beings. Adverbs of time are meant to denote when exactly an action is taking place. Learn all about how adverbs of time are used, their meaning and definition in this article. You can also take a look at the examples and the adverbs list given.

Table of Contents

  • What Is an Adverb of Time?
    • Definition of Adverb of Time
  • Examples of Adverbs of Time
    • List of Adverbs of Time
  • Check Your Knowledge of Adverbs of Time
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Adverbs of Time in English

What Is an Adverb of Time?

An adverb of time, as the name suggests, can be used in a sentence to depict when an action mentioned in the sentence is taking place. It can be identified by asking the question ‘when’. They work best when placed at the end of a sentence, but you can change the position of the adverb to provide emphasis.

Definition of an Adverb of Time

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an adverb of time “can tell us about when an action happens, (now, soon, etc.) or how frequently an action happens (usually, always, etc.)”

Examples of Adverbs of Time

Given below are some examples of how adverbs of time can be used in sentences. Check them out and try to understand how it works.

  • I will be going to my cousin’s place tomorrow.
  • Yesterday, Teena met Anu at the supermarket.
  • Can you please bring the photocopies soon so that we can provide it to the students?
  • I thought I could finish cleaning my house today.
  • Make sure you remind her to take the dried clothes later.
  • Will you be able to submit all the documents immediately so that we could go forward with your recruitment process?

List of Adverbs of Time

Given below is a list of adverbs of time that you can use in your sentences to denote the time of the action.

Examples of Adverbs of Time
Soon Daily Weekly
Monthly Yearly Annually
Quarterly Tomorrow Yesterday
Today Day before yesterday Day after tomorrow
Recently Now Often
Then Always Currently
Momentarily Rarely Everyday
Immediately Later Last year
Last month Last week Earlier

Check Your Knowledge of Adverbs of Time

Fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate adverbs of time from the list given below:

(always, monthly, immediately, earlier, tomorrow, last week, today, next week, tonight, yesterday)

1. Will you be able to finalise the dialogues for the play by _______?

2. __________, we are celebrating the grand success of the company.

3. __________, we alerted the authorities that the street lights were not working in our area.

4. Did you go to school _________?

5. I will be visiting my grandmother ___________.

6. The teacher asked the students to fill in the consent forms ___________.

7. My friends make sure to meet up ________.

8. Ashish stayed at home __________.

9. Atul _______ has blueberry cheesecake from Glen’s Bakehouse.

10. __________, the doctors were found rushing to the operation theatre.

Check the answers to find out if you have answered all of them correctly.

1. Will you be able to finalise the dialogues for the play by tomorrow?

2. Tonight, we are celebrating the grand success of the company.

3. Last week, we alerted the authorities that the street lights were not working in our area.

4. Did you go to school yesterday?

5. I will be visiting my grandmother next week.

6. The teacher asked the students to fill in the consent forms immediately.

7. My friends make sure to meet up monthly.

8. Ashish stayed at home today.

9. Atul always has blueberry cheesecake from Glen’s Bakehouse.

10. Earlier, the doctors were found rushing to the operation theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions on Adverbs of Time in English

Q1

What is an adverb of time?

An adverb of time, as the name suggests, can be used in a sentence to depict when an action mentioned in the sentence is taking place. It can be identified by asking the question ‘when’.

Q2

What is the definition of an adverb of time?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an adverb of time “can tell us about when an action happens, (now, soon, etc.) or how frequently an action happens (usually, always, etc.)”

Q3

Where can we place an adverb of time in a sentence?

They work best when placed at the end of a sentence, but you can change the position of the adverb to provide emphasis.

Q4

Give some examples of adverbs of time.

Soon now, later, then, tomorrow, today, day after tomorrow, everyday, weekly, annually, quarterly, yearly, yesterday, last month, tonight, last week, immediately, etc. are some examples of adverbs of time.

Adverb of Time

Adverb of Time

Adverbs of Time inform us when an activity occurred. It informs us how long and how frequently an action occurs. Adverbs of the time change an adjective, verb, or another adverb and inform us how much time has passed or when the change occurs. The Adverbs of time also seem to be adverbs that actually affect or classify the meanings of turns of phrases by telling us when things are happening.

Adverb of Time:

Adverbs of time modify as well as add sense to a phrase by indicating when, how frequently, and also how long an event occurred. Based on what the adverb informs us, they have a typical position in a sentence.

Examples:

Some Examples of adverbs of time adverb of time are as follows:  

  1. I went to my aunt’s house yesterday.
  2. He is still completing his homework.
  3. She cleans her house daily.
  4. I often eat fresh fruits.
  5. I will complete my work later.

Meaning:

An adverb of time is an adverb (often or daily) that defines when a verb’s action occurs. It is also known as a temporal adverb. An Adverb of Time is a word that responds to the query “when?” and is termed a timely adverbial.

Definition:

Adverbs of Time are adverbs that classify or modify the purpose of a sentence by informing us when situations occur. An adverb of time is what it sounds like a term that defines when, how long, and how frequently an incident occurs. In some cases, it also refers to the connection between two events.

What Is an Adverb of Time?

The audience can envision what is being communicated if the words are attractive. Nouns are described by adjectives. For example, describing a rabbit as soft or skinny conjures up very different images. Verbs can be described as well. Adverbs are words that describe the pattern of action words. A man strolling swiftly will appear different from a man walking gently. Temporal adverbs are employed when the timing of the action is critical. These particular adverbs, often known as adverbs of time, educate the viewer well about the time of an act. They specifically address the issues of when however long, and how frequently an activity occurs.

Adverb of Time Definition:

Adverbs of time are adverb that affects or modify the content of a phrase by informing us when things occur. An adverb of the period is exactly what it sounds like: a term that defines when, how long, or how frequently a given activity occurred. Various adverbs of time and adverbs of frequency are interchangeable.

Adverb of Time Examples

10 Examples of Adverb of Time

  1. Normally I brush my teeth twice a day.
  2. I want to play now.
  3. I will clean my room today.
  4. She hasn’t visited Agra yet.
  5. He will be well soon.
  6. We shall now go for the movie.
  7. I will talk to him tomorrow.
  8. By the end of this year, I will be with you.
  9. My mom will come from Mumbai tomorrow.
  10. Since my childhood, I live in Spain.

How are adverbs of time used?

Time adverbs are the most useful when it used at the end of sentences.
As an illustration:

– I will join my dance classes from tomorrow.

– We will go for lunch afterwards.

You can change the location of a timed adverb to emphasize a specific aspect of a sentence.
As an illustration:

– He is always happy.

– Yesterday, I and my sister visited our relatives.

Adverb of time list:

  Soon     Later  
  Today     Yesterday  
  Tomorrow      Previously  
  Since      Yearly  
  Monthly     Quarterly  
  Usually   Weekly
  Annually   Tonight
  Early   Sometimes  
  Always     Occasionally  
  Hourly   Seldom

Adverb of Time Exercise:

Directions (1-5) Choose the correct answer.

1. He has _______ eaten Italian food.

A. Often
B. Never
C. Daily
D. Always

2. I _____ go to the playground for exercise with my husband.

A. Weekly
B. Now
C. Before
D. Soon

3. My dad _____ brings fruits for me.

A. Soon
B. Later
C. Daily
D. First

4. By _____ evening I will be in Delhi.

A. Usually
B. Recently
C. Hourly
D. Tomorrow

5. We will leave London ______.

A. Yesterday
B. Soon
C. Annually
D. Weekly

Ans.

  1.  He has never eaten Italian food.
  2.  I weekly go to the playground for exercise with my husband.
  3.  My dad daily brings fruits for me.
  4. By tomorrow evening I will be in Delhi.
  5.  We will leave London soon.

Directions (6-10) Choose the suitable Adverbs of time from the following sentences:
(Later, Yet, Evening, Today, Always)

 6. My cousin visited my house in the _______.

 7.  _______ Sharmila came to my college.

 8.  I am not well _____.

 9. We should ______ talk politely.

 10. I will have my dinner ______.

Ans. 

6. My cousin visited my house in the evening.

7. Today, Sharmila came to my college.

8. I am not well yet.

9. We should always talk politely.

10. I will have my dinner later.

FAQ’s

Que 1. What Is an Adverb of Time?

Ans. The audience can envision what is being communicated if the words are attractive. Nouns are described by adjectives. For example, describing a rabbit as soft or skinny conjures up very different images. Verbs can be described as well. Adverbs are words that describe the partners of action words. A man strolling swiftly will appear different from a man walking gently. Temporal adverbs are employed when the timing of the action is critical. These particular adverbs, often known as adverbs of time, educate the viewer well about the time of an act. They specifically address the issues of when however long, and how frequently an activity occurs.

Que 2. What are the 10 examples of adverbs of time?

Ans.10 Example of Adverb of Time

  1. Normally I brush my teeth twice a day.
  2. I want to play now.
  3. I will clean my room today.
  4. She hasn’t visited Agra yet.
  5. He will be well soon.
  6. We shall now go for the movie.
  7. I will talk to him tomorrow.
  8. By the end of this year, I will be with you.
  9. My mom will come from Mumbai tomorrow.
  10. Since my childhood, I have lived in Spain.

Que 3. Is tomorrow an adverb of time?

Ans. However, “tomorrow” may be used as both an adverb as well as a noun. This is one of the cases in which you have to judge if “tomorrow” is an adverb or even a noun according to the context.

Tomorrow used as an adverb:
We are going to Kedarnath tomorrow.

Tomorrow used as a noun:
Tomorrow is a holiday.

Que 4. Is often an adverb of time?

Ans. Often is an adverb that means ‘on several occasions’. We use it in frontal, middle, or end positions, like numerous other short adverbs.

Examples:

  1. I often drink coffee with chocolate.
  2. I often go fishing on weekends.
  3. My niece often performs in her school program.
  4. I often prefer healthy food.
     

An adverb is an independent part of speech. We use adverbs to tell more information about an action or object. Adverbs answer questions:

  • how?
  • when?
  • why?
  • where?

He regularly goes fishing.

We divide adverbs into groups according to their meaning. In this lesson we are talking about a very popular group of adverbs: these are adverbs of time.

What are adverbs of time?

Adverbs of time give us additional information about actions or events.

  • When did it happen?
  • How often does it happen?
  • How long has it been going on?

The list of the most popular adverbs of the time includes:

  • soon
  • already
  • tomorrow
  • now
  • early
  • late
  • seldom
  • often
  • hardly ever
  • regularly
  • occasionally
  • constantly

List of adverbs of time, rule, and examples of use.

Adverbs of time

Examples of adverbs of time with explanations

Look at examples of some popular adverbs with explanations to better understand how adverbs describe verbs.

I prepared well and was able to pass the exams afterward.

The adverb afterward describes the verb pass. By the way, note in this sentence there is another adverb that describes the verb prepared.

I didn’t go to work yesterday.

The adverb of time yesterday describes the verb go.

The train arrived later than expected.

In this example, the adverb later describes the verb arrived. Thanks to this, we understand when the train arrived.

If you want to get home before dark you have to leave soon.

The adverb soon describes the verb leave to indicate the time for the leave.

Peter, we’ll come back later.

The adverb later describes come back.

Why do you think you’ve heard this song before?

The adverb before describes the verb heard, helping us to get the exact answer to this question.

I will come tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

The adverbs tomorrow and the day after tomorrow describe the verb come.

Two groups of adverbs of time

For ease of learning, let’s divide adverbs of time into two groups:

  1. Adverbs of definite time.
  2. Adverbs of indefinite time.

Let’s take a look at each of these groups separately.

Two groups of adverbs of time.

Adverbs of time.

Adverbs of definite time

Adverbs of definite time are adverbs that indicate a specific time when an action or event occurs.

For example, we can say:

John bought the car recently.

In this example, we are using an adverb recently. But does this adverb describe the verb buy precisely? After all, recently it could be two days ago or a month ago.

Therefore, such an adverb as recently is not an adverb of definite time. Recently does not give us a precise definition.

Let’s take a look at another example:

John bought the car 3 days ago.

3 days ago, this is also an adverb of time. Does this adverb describe the verb buy precisely? Yes, the adverb 3 days ago gives a precise definition. 3 days ago exactly answers the question When? After all, three days ago could only be three days ago. This is the most accurate description of the verb to buy.

Most often we use adverbs of definite time when we talk about the past or the future.

Yesterday I worked till 4 o’clock
Today I work till 4 o’clock
Tomorrow I will work till 7 o’clock

Adverbs of definite time can be simple, indicating a certain moment in time:

  • Today
  • Tomorrow
  • Yesterday

Or more complex ones containing such additional words as this, that, last, next, ago, etc.

Using these words and adverbs of time, we can form many different combinations:

  • last year
  • next year
  • last week
  • next week
  • last month
  • next month
  • last day
  • next day
  • a year ago
  • a week ago
  • a month ago
  • a day ago
  • this week
  • this day
  • this year
  • this month
  • five minutes ago
  • two weeks ago
  • four days ago

To form adverbs of time, we can use modifiers.

Modifier words are words such as:

  • late
  • later
  • early
  • earlier
  • Punctually
  • Exactly
    etc.

These words help to change the meaning of a particular time.

With the help of these modifiers, we form additional combinations, such as:

  • later this day
  • earlier today
  • later this week
  • earlier that month
  • exactly that day
  • later this winter
  • exactly two hours later
    etc.

Also, some adverbs are formed using prepositions. For example, such prepositions as:

  • at
  • on
  • in

With the help of such prepositions, we can form even more different combinations in order to determine time:

  • At midnight
  • At ten o’clock in the morning
  • At dawn
  • On the Sunset
  • At the beginning of the year
  • In a month
  • At noon

NOTE: We may not pronounce the words last, next and the prepositions in, on, at in spoken English and informal writing:

See you next week.

this + specific time

When we define time using this + day of the week, we mean that we are talking about the next day of the week.

We cannot say this Tuesday if we mean not the next Tuesday but Tuesday in two weeks.

In such a construction, we can replace this with next without losing the meaning:

this Tuesday = next Tuesday

Many guests will come this Wednesday.
Many guests will come next Wednesday.

We use this rule when we talk about the month of the year. If we say this April, then we should mean exactly the next April and not April in a few years.

I will go to a new school this September.
It’ll be ten years old this October.

We can use in the present, future, or past tense such words and phrases as:

  • this morning
  • this afternoon
  • this evening
  • tonight

I gave him all the cases this morning.
Master says you may join the ladies this evening.

Adverbs of indefinite time

Adverbs of definite time indicate the exact moment of an action or event. Adverbs of indefinite time indicate NOT an exact, but an approximate moment of an action or event.

Take a look at an example:

John came to Japan three days ago.

The adverb three days ago is an adverb of definite time because it precisely defines the verb.

We know when it was because three days ago is always three days ago.

Take a look at another example:

John came to Japan recently.

The adverb recently describes the verb arrived. But this adverb does not accurately describe the verb. Recently it may have been three days ago or it may have been a month ago.

We refer to such adverbs as recently to the group of Adverbs of indefinite time. This group includes such adverbs as:

  • afterward
  • already
  • another day
  • another time
  • at last
  • at once
  • early
  • eventually
  • formerly
  • immediately
  • instantly
  • just
  • late
  • lately
  • now
  • nowadays
  • once
  • one day
  • presently
  • recently
  • someday
  • soon
  • still
  • straightway
  • subsequently
  • suddenly
  • then
  • these days
  • ultimately
  • yet

We use adverbs of indefinite time to describe actions and events in the future, present or past.

Let’s take a look at how we use indefinite adverbs:

Present Simple.

Indefinite Adverbs: now, presently, these days, already

These refugees are presently assisted by the governor.

Present Continuous.
Indefinite Adverbs: still, now, these days …

I am trying my best these days.

Present Perfect.
Indefinite adverbs: just, recently, already, yet.

I have recently discovered it missing from inventory.

Past simple.
Indefinite adverbs: late, suddenly, then, afterward, another day, early, eventually,

He suddenly collapsed during my lecture.

Future simple.
Indefinite adverbs: one day, ultimately, another day,

I will need another day with her.

Rule and examples of the use of adverbs of indefinite time.

Adverbs of indefinite time.

Adverbs of duration

We use adverbs of duration to express the duration of an action or event.

Duration adverbs indicate how long something lasts or does not last.

Often these adverbs are combinations of prepositions such as:

  • for
  • to
  • till
  • since
  • by
  • during

These prepositions are combined with adverbs such as:

  • last day
  • last week
  • any more
  • not anymore
  • any longer
  • not any longer
  • no longer
  • no more
  • weeks ago
  • all-day
  • all night long
  • days ago
  • 5 days

Let’s take a close look at these combinations:

A moment in time + ago

We use a moment in time + ago to indicate when the action started to take place.

We use ago to refer to a point in time backward, into the past. The starting point of such a reference is the moment of speaking.

I got this job 4 years ago.
I started preparing for exams three days ago.

how long + ago.


We use how long + ago in questions to find out when an action has occurred.

We most often form the answer to this question using the Past Simple to indicate the exact time.

How long ago did you decide to change your job? – I decided it last summer.

The preposition since + some point in time

We use the preposition since + some point in time to indicate a specific point in time when the action started.

Typically, we use since + moment in time in such tenses as:

  • Perfect present
  • Perfect Continuous present
  • Past Perfect
  • Past Perfect Continuous

I haven’t spoken to Jessica since last summer.

Rule and examples of using the since + time formula

since + time

All day / All night / All day long / All night long

We use All day / All night / All day long / All night long to indicate that some action lasted all day or all night.

We danced all night long.
He played tennis all day long.

We can change this combination. We can change the words day/night to week, year, etc.

He worked all week long.

But most of the time we use all with words like day or night.

The additional word long is optional. We use long to emphasize that the action lasted for the entire specified time.

He played tennis all day long = He played tennis all-day

No longer / Not any longer

We use no longer / not any longer to indicate a point in time beyond which the action cannot continue.

Often we put no longer / not any longer at the end of a sentence.

I could not stay any longer.
But you know, our affair could not last any longer.
John stops as he can run no longer.

The rule and examples of using the phrase no longer and not any longer.

no longer and not any longer

Not anymore

We use Not anymore as no longer / not any longer to indicate a point in time beyond which the action cannot continue.

More often we put Not anymore at the end of a sentence.

He won’t have you here, not anymore.
I’m not a soldier, not anymore.

For + Time period

We use for + time to indicate how long an action took from its beginning to its end.

We use for + time to form popular combinations:

  • for months
  • for days
  • for hours
  • for years
  • etc.

Jessica hasn’t seen her family for months.
I cannot believe that someone has been watching me for two days.

We use this phrase in the present, future, and past:

I studied at this school for two years.
I have been studying at this school for two years.
I will study at this school for two years.

It’s not necessary to use for in spoken English in Present Perfect or Past Perfect with verbs that in themselves mean long actions. These are verbs such as:

  • work
  • stay
  • wait
  • be
  • live

I have worked here for two years.
I have worked here two years.

I have lived there for 45 years, and I want to go home.
I have lived there 45 years, and I want to go home.

It’s not necessary to use for in affirmative sentences when talking about the future:

He will be with us for several days.
He will be with us several days.

We will be your guests for two days.
We will be your guests two days.

ATTENTION: In negative sentences, we always say for!

Correct: Tom hasn’t done anything bad for two days.
Incorrect: Tom hasn’t done anything bad two days.

Correct: I haven’t been on a date for 5 years.
Incorrect: I haven’t been on a date 5 years.

Correct: You haven’t seen him for 3 weeks.
Incorrect: You haven’t seen him 3 weeks.

rule of using the phrase for + time, examples of use

for + time

From + time + to / till / untill + time

We use from + point of time + to/till/until + point of time to indicate when the action started and until what point the action lasted.

We use from to indicate the point in time when the action started.

We use that, till or until to indicate up to what point the action took place.

We use this structure in the present, future, and past.

I studied at this school from October to/till April.
I study at this school from October to/till April.
I will study at this school from October to/till April.

Using these structures, it’s not necessary to pronounce from:

I will live with my parents in Hawaii June till July.
I will live with my parents in Hawaii from June till July.

The sentence without from sounds a little strange. But we really can say that without using from in spoken English.

By + time point + till / untill + time point

We use By + time point + till/until + time point to indicate the time when the action will end.

Please note that in English there is a group of verbs that in themselves imply duration. These are, for example, such verbs as:

  • work
  • stay
  • wait
  • be
  • live
  • study
    etc.

We use till/until with these verbs.
We DO NOT use by with these verbs.

I will study at this school till/until November.
I will play in this room till next year.

The whole / The entire

We use the whole / the entire as well as During / in or Throughout to describe a period or a point in time when an action occurred if the action occurred during the entire specified period.

We use the whole / the entire to emphasize that the action took place over the entire time.

I went fishing the whole / the entire summer.
I played video games the whole / the entire day.

Rules and examples for using phrases the whole and the entire.

the whole and the entire

During / in + noun

We use During / in + noun to describe a period or a point in time when an action took place.

Note: We use During / in with nouns only.

I lived with my grandmother during/in the summer.
I went fishing three times when I went to see my grandmother during/in the summer.

The summer is a noun that indicates when the action took place. Therefore, we can use during/in.

Throughout + noun

We use Throughout + noun to denote a period or a moment in time when an action occurred if this action took place during the entire named period.

I had a lot of fun with friends throughout the summer.

Adverbs of frequency

Adverbs of frequency describe how often something happens. These are such adverbs as:

  • Often
  • Always
  • Usually
  • Daily
  • Annually
  • Hourly
  • Every minute
  • Every day
  • Every hour
  • Every month
  • Every year
  • Once a week
  • Once a month
  • Once a year

Explanation and examples of adverbs of frequency.

Adverbs of frequency.

Frequency adverbs are divided into:

  • Adverbs of definite frequency.
  • Adverbs of indefinite frequency.

Frequency adverbs determine exactly how often something happens or doesn’t happen. For example:

  • Every hour
  • Once month
  • Daily

Adverbs of indefinite frequency describe approximately, not exactly, how often something happens or does not happen. For example:

  • оften
  • always
  • usually

Adverbs of indefinite frequency depend on the opinion of the speaker.

This is logical. After all, when we say that something happens often or rarely, it always depends on what we mean by the words “often” or “rarely“.

For each person, “often” or “rarely” can mean a different period.

Adverbs of definite frequency do not depend on the speaker’s opinion.

When we say that something happens three times a week or every day, we all understand what it means.

We often use Adverbs of Frequency in the Present Simple.

I often have the same dream.
I often go downtown on Sunday.

The infographic shows that Adverbs of frequency are divided into adverbs of definite frequency and adverbs of indefinite frequency

Still and Yet

Still and Yet are very interesting adverbs. We use still and yet to indicate that an action in the past has already been completed or not yet completed.

We use yet most often in negative sentences and in interrogative sentences.

We use yet to express that someone is waiting for something that hasn’t happened yet.

When we use yet in interrogative sentences, we often expect to hear a negative answer.

Have we finished our meeting yet?
Have you told John the story yet?
I haven’t told John what happened to me yet.

We often use yet with Present Simple to indicate something that has not happened yet.

Still has a different meaning. We use still to indicate that something is still happening or not happening.

We use still to indicate that something hasn’t finished yet or that something hasn’t started to happen yet.

Mom is still in the supermarket.

In affirmative sentences, we put still before the main verb and after auxiliary verbs such as be, have, might, will, etc.

If the verb to be is the main verb in the sentence, then we usually put still after to be.

In interrogative sentences, we put still before the main verb.

When we use still in interrogative sentences, we expect the answer to be yes.

John is still waiting for you to call him.

The dog still wants to play with you.
Do you still play this computer game?
Do you still go to your grandma for the weekend?
I still want to sleep.
I have been preparing for exams for two months now but I am still not ready.
Are you still in this school?

An example of using the adverb still, a small, drawn, playful dog.

Example of the adverb still.

When we use yet it means that there is something we are expecting. Something that we think will happen.

Has he called you yet?
He hasn’t called you yet.

We can use yet to answer the question of whether something has happened or not. But in this case, the answer must be negative:

Question: Have you seen him?
Answer: Not yet.

We put the adverb yet at the end of the sentence.

We usually use the adverb still in the middle of the sentence before a verb that denotes an action.

English is a very organized language. All parts of the sentence in English know their place 🙂

The adverbs of time also have their place and their order in an English sentence.

If we use more than one adverb of time together, then we use them in this order:

  1. Adverbs of time that answer the question How long.
  2. Adverbs of time that answer the question How often.
  3. Adverbs of time that answer the question When.

The infographic shows the rule in what order to use the adverbs of time.

Adverbs of time.

Place in a sentence of the adverbs often, usually, always

Let’s take a look at where we use popular adverbs of indefinite frequency often, usually, always.

We often use adverbs of indefinite frequency often, usually, and always in the Present Simple. Because often, usually and always mean regularity, constancy, periodicity. These are all signs of the Present Simple.

We use оften, usually, always before the main verb if the predicate in this sentence is expressed by a single verb.

I often go fishing.
I usually go fishing with my dad.

In interrogative sentences, we put оften, usually, always also in the middle of the sentence after the subject.

Do you usually go fishing with your dad or alone?

In short answers, we use оften, usually, always before an auxiliary verb if we want to emphasize that we agree or disagree with what we are asked.

Question: Do you visit your old school?
Answer: Yes I often do.

In negative sentences, we usually use often, usually, always after the negative not.

I’m not usually like this.
Survey information is not always perfect.

In affirmative sentences, we usually use оften, usually, always in the middle of the sentence before the main verb and after the auxiliary verb (if there is an auxiliary verb in the sentence).

I always love you!
I usually like my job.
I usually wear suits.

In some cases, we can put оften, usually, always at the end of the sentence.

He does answer his phone to me, usually.

In some cases, we can use оften, usually, always at the beginning of a sentence if such a sentence is imperative.

Always try to be rational.

We use оften, usually, always before the verb to be if the verb to be is the only verb in the sentence.

I always am a good boy!

If there is an auxiliary verb in the sentence (for example: am, is, will, have, etc.) then we use оften, usually, always after such a verb.

I will always watch over you.
Things don’t always work out as you think.
People don’t always swear the truth.
You don’t always say yes.

If the sentence contains a modal verb (for example: can, must, should, etc.), then we use оften, usually, always after such a verb.

You can usually make cappuccinos blindfolded.
He can’t always see what’s best for him.
You can’t always blame everything on your genes.

The rule explains how to use some adverbs with modal verbs.

Adverbs often, usually, always with modal verbs.

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Adverb of Time - wordscoach.com

An adverb of time is a type of adverb that modifies or describes the time an action occurred. These adverbs provide additional information about when an action took place, how often it occurs, or for how long it lasted. Adverbs of time are important in English because they help to clarify the meaning of sentences and improve communication.

Some examples of adverbs of time include:

  • Yesterday
  • Today
  • Tomorrow
  • Now
  • Soon
  • Later
  • Frequently
  • Rarely
  • Always
  • Never
  • Recently
  • Already
  • All day
  • All night
  • For hours
  • For a while
  • For a long time
  • For a short time
  • Temporarily
  • Permanently
  • Briefly
  • Eternally
  • Forever

Adverbs of time can be used in different parts of a sentence, depending on the emphasis you want to place on the timing of an action.

For example, “Yesterday, I went to the store” emphasizes that the action occurred on a specific day in the past.
In contrast, “I went to the store yesterday” places more emphasis on the action itself, with the adverb providing additional information about when it occurred.

Adverbs of time can also be used in combination with other time-related words to provide more precise information about when an action took place.
For example, “I met her at 3 PM yesterday” provides a specific time frame for the action.

It’s important to note that some adverbs of time can be used to modify entire sentences, rather than just individual verbs.
For example, “Fortunately, the weather held up for the entire picnic” provides a time-related commentary on the overall event, rather than on a specific action.

Using adverbs of time effectively requires a good understanding of English grammar and syntax.

Here are some tips for using these adverbs correctly:

  1. Pay attention to the position of the adverb in the sentence. Adverbs of time can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on the emphasis you want to place on the timing of an action.
  2. Use adverbs of time in combination with other time-related words to provide more precise information about when an action occurred.
  3. Be careful not to overuse adverbs of time, as this can make your writing sound repetitive or awkward. Use them only when they provide important information about the timing of an action.
  4. Remember that some adverbs of time can modify entire sentences, not just individual verbs. Use them in this way when you want to provide a time-related commentary on an entire event.

Examples of Adverbs of Time

Here are some examples of sentences that use adverbs of time:

  1. I will see you tomorrow.
  2. He is always punctual.
  3. I recently started a new job.
  4. She has already finished her homework.
  5. They have never been to Paris before.
  6. We usually eat dinner at 6 PM.
  7. I rarely drink alcohol.
  8. He is currently studying for his exams.
  9. I will call you back shortly.
  10. She has been sleeping all day.
  11. They are planning to leave soon.
  12. I just finished reading a book.
  13. He will arrive later tonight.
  14. We often go to the gym together.
  15. I have been waiting for hours.
  16. I occasionally listen to music while working.
  17. She has been living in New York City for the past two years.
  18. They were previously married but got divorced.
  19. He was momentarily distracted by a loud noise.
  20. We used to go to that restaurant all the time.

Adverbs of time are an important tool for improving communication in English. They provide additional information about when an action occurred, how often it occurs, or for how long it lasted. By using these adverbs effectively, you can make your writing more clear, precise, and engaging.

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