Adverbs of time
An adverb of time is a word or phrase that tells us when an action happens, for how long, or how often. Examples include "yesterday", "soon", "already", "for two hours" and "always". These adverbs modify verbs and usually appear at the beginning or end of a sentence, giving important time context to an action or event.
Types of adverbs of time
Point of time (when)
States the specific moment or day an action occurs.
e.g. yesterday, now, tomorrow
Duration (how long)
Shows the length of time an action continues.
e.g. for two hours, since Monday, all day
Frequency (how often)
Indicates how regularly an action happens.
e.g. always, often, rarely
Relationship in time (sequence)
Shows the order or relation of events to a reference point.
e.g. already, still, yet
Rules to remember
- Adverbs of specific time (yesterday, today, tomorrow) usually go at the end of a sentence, though they can start a sentence for emphasis.
- Adverbs of frequency (always, often, never, usually) normally go before the main verb but after the verb 'to be'.
- Duration adverbs formed with 'for' and 'since' go at the end of the sentence: 'for' shows a length of time, 'since' shows a starting point.
- 'Already' is common in affirmative sentences, 'yet' in questions and negatives, and both usually appear at the end of the clause or directly after the auxiliary in affirmative use.
- Only one adverb of time is usually needed per clause; avoid stacking two time adverbs that express the same idea (e.g. 'yesterday' and 'last night' together).
Examples in sentences
| Example | How it works |
|---|---|
| I will call you tomorrow. | Point of time adverb placed at the end of the sentence. |
| She has lived in London since 2019. | 'Since' introduces a starting point for a duration. |
| We usually study in the evening. | Frequency adverb placed before the main verb. |
| He is always late for meetings. | Frequency adverb placed after the verb 'to be'. |
| They have already finished the report. | 'Already' appears between the auxiliary and main verb in an affirmative sentence. |
| Have you booked the tickets yet? | 'Yet' used at the end of a question about an expected action. |
| Soon, the results will be announced. | Adverb of time placed at the start of the sentence for emphasis. |
Common mistakes
Incorrect: I have visited Paris last year.
Correct: I visited Paris last year.
Incorrect: She always is on time.
Correct: She is always on time.
Incorrect: I am living here since five years.
Correct: I have lived here for five years.
Why this matters for IELTS
Using a variety of adverbs of time accurately (already, yet, since, for, recently) allows you to link tenses correctly, especially present perfect and past simple, which examiners look for under Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Correct placement, such as putting frequency adverbs before the main verb, shows control of word order and helps avoid the basic errors that cap your band score, so practise both position and tense agreement together in speaking and writing tasks.
Frequently asked questions
What is an adverb of time?
It is a word or phrase that shows when, how long, or how often an action happens, such as 'yesterday', 'for a week' or 'often'.
Where do adverbs of time go in a sentence?
Specific time adverbs usually go at the end of the sentence; frequency adverbs go before the main verb but after 'to be'; some, like 'soon' or 'yesterday', can also start a sentence for emphasis.
What is the difference between 'for' and 'since'?
'For' describes a length of time, such as 'for three years', while 'since' describes the starting point of that time, such as 'since 2020'.
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