Frequency Adverbs After 'Be' — Exercises
Practice placing frequency adverbs (always, never, usually) after the verb 'be' instead of before it — she is always late, they are usually at home.
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She ___ late for class.
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is always
A frequency adverb goes after the verb 'be'.
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He ___ tired after a long day.
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is often
A frequency adverb goes after the verb 'be'.
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She ___ angry with the children.
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is never
A frequency adverb goes after the verb 'be'.
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She ___ at her desk before nine.
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is usually
A frequency adverb goes after the verb 'be'.
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They ___ at home in the evening.
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are usually
A frequency adverb goes after the verb 'be'.
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The shops ___ closed on Sundays.
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are always
A frequency adverb goes after the verb 'be'.
Frequency Adverbs After 'Be'
Frequency adverbs go immediately before an ordinary main verb, but immediately after the verb 'be'. This is the one systematic exception to the mid-position rule, and it applies to every form of 'be' — am, is, are, was, were. The adverb sits between 'be' and whatever follows it, whether that is an adjective, a noun phrase, or a place expression.
The Core Pattern
They are usually at home in the evening.
She is never angry with the children.
Compare: 'Be' and Other Verbs
The same adverb changes side depending on the verb.
He often feels tired after a long day. (main verb → adverb before)
With a Plural Subject
We are rarely at home before seven.
Common Mistakes
✗ They usually are at home. → ✓ They are usually at home.
✗ The shops always are closed on Sundays. → ✓ The shops are always closed on Sundays.
Last updated: · Satori Editorial