Published on
September 23, 2024
by
Ryan Cove, BA.
Revised on
October 27, 2025
We use adverbs of frequency to provide clarity about how often something happens.
For example, if you use the adverb of frequency โalways,โ that action occurs 100% of the time. If you use the adverb of frequency โnever,โ that action occurs 0% of the time.
Below is a table with the most common adverbs of frequency and corresponding percentages indicating how often something is done.
She sometimes goes on vacation during the holidays.
30โ49%
occasionally
I occasionally have a glass of wine with dinner.
10โ29%
seldom/rarely
Pavel seldom/rarely watches television.
1โ9%
hardly ever
She hardly ever eats fast food.
0%
never
Eric never enjoys going to the dentist.
NoteThe above percentages are not exact. The above adverbs of frequency are also called adverbs of indefinite frequency and are meant to give a general idea of how often something occurs.
If you need to be exact when discussing how often something occurs, use adverbs of definite frequency (e.g., โdaily,โ โweeklyโ).
Published on
September 18, 2024
by
Ryan Cove, BA.
Revised on
December 30, 2025
The present perfect continuous (also called present perfect progressive) is a verb tense used to discuss an action that started in the past and continues in the present moment. Itโs used to talk about ongoing actions and recent actions that have an effect on the present.
Published on
September 12, 2024
by
Ryan Cove, BA.
Revised on
November 24, 2025
The โsingular theyโ is a third-person plural pronoun used in the singular form. Itโs used when referring to a person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant or when referring to someone who uses โtheyโ as a personal pronoun.
Historically, grammar sticklers have long argued that using โtheyโ as singular was grammatically incorrect. However, many people use โtheyโ as a singular pronoun in formal and informal writing and conversation.
Today, numerous style guidesโincluding AP, APA, MLA, and Chicagoโnow accept and endorse the use of the singular they. Even dictionariesโincluding Merriam-Webster and Oxfordโaccept the use of the singular they as grammatically correct.
Singular they examplesWhen a person sets goals, they should be specific about them.
If anyone arrives early, tell them they can wait in the lobby.
