Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of Time

Hello, English learners. Welcome back to a new lesson. Today, we’re looking at adverbs of time — small words that do a lot of heavy lifting in English.

Adverbs of time (also called adverbials of time) tell us when something happens, how often it happens, or how long it lasts.

They add clarity, structure, and natural flow to your sentences — which is essential for confident speaking and high-level writing.

We’ll look at them in three clear groups, with meanings and natural examples.

1. Adverbs that tell when something happens

These answer the question “At what time?” or “In which period?”

Now

Meaning: at the present moment.

I need to finish my homework now.

Then

Meaning: at that time; after something else.

We went to the park, and then we had ice cream.

Soon

Meaning: in a short time from now.

She will be here soon.

Later

Meaning: after some time, but not immediately.

I’ll call you later.

Yesterday

Meaning: on the day before today.

We visited the museum yesterday.

Today

Meaning: on this day; at the present time.

I have a meeting today.

Tomorrow

Meaning: on the day after today.

We’re going to the beach tomorrow.

Recently

Meaning: not long ago.

He moved to a new city recently.

Lately

Meaning: during the recent period up to now (often used with the present perfect).

I’ve been feeling very tired lately.

Before

Meaning: at an earlier time.

She had never been to Paris before.

After

Meaning: at a later time.

We can go for a walk after dinner.

This morning

Meaning: during the morning of today.

I had a delicious breakfast this morning.

Last week

Meaning: during the week before this one.

We went to the theatre last week.

Next month

Meaning: during the month after the current one.

She’s planning a trip to Italy next month.

Immediately

Meaning: without delay.

He replied to the email immediately.

Eventually

Meaning: in the end, after some time or difficulty.

They eventually found the missing dog.

Finally

Meaning: at the end of a process or period.

After a long journey, we finally arrived.

Early

Meaning: before the expected or usual time.

She likes to wake up early.

Late

Meaning: after the expected or usual time.

He arrived late to the meeting.

Already

Meaning: before now; earlier than expected.

I’ve already finished my homework.

Since

Meaning: from a point in the past until now.

They’ve been friends since childhood.

Just

Meaning: a very short time ago.

I just saw her at the shop.

In the past

Meaning: at an earlier time in history.

In the past, people used to write letters instead of emails.

2. Adverbs that tell how often something happens

These answer the question “How often?”

Always

Meaning: on every occasion.

She always brings a reusable bottle to work.

Never

Meaning: at no time.

I never leave the house without my keys.

Often

Meaning: many times; frequently.

He often reads before bed.

Frequently

Meaning: very often.

They frequently visit their grandparents.

Sometimes

Meaning: on some occasions, but not always.

I sometimes go for a walk in the park.

Rarely

Meaning: not often.

She rarely eats fast food.

Seldom

Meaning: very rarely (formal).

He seldom watches TV.

Occasionally

Meaning: from time to time.

We occasionally go out for dinner.

Regularly

Meaning: in a consistent and repeated way.

They regularly attend yoga classes.

Constantly

Meaning: all the time or very often (sometimes negative).

She is constantly checking her phone.

Usually

Meaning: in most cases; normally.

He usually wakes up early.

Infrequently

Meaning: not often.

They infrequently go to the cinema.

Periodically

Meaning: at regular intervals.

The company reviews its policies periodically.

Continuously

Meaning: without stopping.

The machine runs continuously.

Daily

Meaning: every day.

She writes in her journal daily.

Weekly

Meaning: every week.

We meet weekly.

Monthly

Meaning: every month.

The magazine is published monthly.

Annually

Meaning: once a year.

They celebrate their anniversary annually.

Hourly

Meaning: every hour.

The clock chimes hourly.

Intermittently

Meaning: stopping and starting at intervals.

The internet connection drops intermittently.

3. Adverbs that tell how long something happens

These answer the question “For how long?”

Briefly

Meaning: for a short time.

She spoke briefly about the project.

Permanently

Meaning: forever; without change.

They decided to move permanently.

Temporarily

Meaning: for a limited time.

He’s staying with a friend temporarily.

Indefinitely

Meaning: for an unknown or unlimited period.

The event has been postponed indefinitely.

Continuously

Meaning: without interruption.

The river flows continuously throughout the year.

Eternally

Meaning: forever; without end.

They promised to love each other eternally.

Momentarily

Meaning: for a very short time.

She paused momentarily before answering.

Forever

Meaning: for all time.

He vowed to remember her forever.

Instantly

Meaning: immediately; at once.

The pain disappeared instantly.

Endlessly

Meaning: without stopping or seeming to end.

The debate seemed to go on endlessly.

Final thought

Adverbs of time may look simple, but using them accurately and naturally is a clear sign of strong English. Master them, and your writing becomes clearer, your speaking more fluent, and your exam answers more precise.

Learn about comment adverbs here

Learn about adverbs of probability here

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