Adverbs of frequency in negative statements

Question

Hi! Is it correct to put an adverb of frequency after the subject and before the auxiliary verb? For example: I often don't go to the cinema at the weekend. What's the difference in meaning between this sentence and the following sentence, I don't often go to the cinema at the weekend, ?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Adverbs of frequency are relatively mobile, but the usual place is after the first unit of the verb phrase (I don't often go, I have often gone) or directly before a single-word verb (I often go). There is no difference in meaning for your two sentences.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousIs it correct to put an adverb of frequency after the subject and before the auxiliary verb?

It's not incorrect, but to be honest, it doesn't sound right to my ear unless you have a special reason to do it.

I don't often go to the cinema at the weekend. (Sounds normal to me. This does not happen often.)

I often don't go to the cinema at the weekend. (Sounds like you're trying to emphasize the negative, as if you are contradicting someone else's opinion to the contrary.)

-- You go to the cinema quite often, don't you? Almost every weekend, right?

-- NO! I often DON'T go ... (There are many times when I decide not to go.)

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

It's very useful. Thanks a lot.

Anonymous · Answer

The adverb of frequecy should go before the main verb. In case of -often, it can also go at the beginning.

Adverbs of frequency in negative statements

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