Adverbs of Frequency
A2
Adverbs
Frequency adverbs specify the recurrence or habitual nature of an action. They integrate into the predicate domain and modify the temporal distribution of events without inflection.
1. Function
Frequency adverbs indicate how often an action occurs. They contribute aspectual interpretation by marking repeated or habitual events in time.
2. Lexical Inventory (Systematic Ordering)
Turkish uses a set of lexicalized frequency adverbs. In order of decreasing frequency:
Always (highest frequency)
• her zaman, daima (always)
Usually / Mostly
• genellikle, çoğunlukla, çoğu zaman (generally, mostly, most of the time)
Frequently
• sık sık (frequently)
Sometimes / Occasionally
• bazen, ara sıra (sometimes, occasionally)
Rarely / Hardly Ever
• nadiren, pek az (rarely, hardly ever)
Never (with negation)
• hiç, asla (never)
These forms constitute the primary frequency system and are not derived through productive morphology.
3. Syntactic Position
Frequency adverbs typically precede the verb within the predicate.
Canonical order:
Subject + Frequency Adverb + Verb Phrase
Fronting is possible for emphasis but marked.
4. Interaction With Tense and Aspect
Frequency adverbs combine with all tense–aspect forms.
The adverb encodes recurrence; verbal morphology determines temporal anchoring.
5. Negation
Negation applies to the verb.
Hiç and asla require a negative predicate.
6. Multiple Adverbs
More than one frequency element may co-occur.
Ordering follows semantic scope: broader frequency precedes narrower frequency.
Examples
• Her zaman erken uyanırım. (I always wake up early.)
• Genellikle evde çalışır. (He/She generally works at home.)
• Sık sık dışarı çıkarız. (We frequently go out.)
• Çoğu zaman geç döner. (He/She returns late most of the time.)
• Bazen yürüyerek giderim. (Sometimes I go on foot.)
• Ara sıra kitap okurlar. (They occasionally read books.)
• Nadiren kahve içerim. (I rarely drink coffee.)
• Asla geç kalmam. (I never arrive late.)
• Hiç dışarı çıkmaz. (He/She never goes outside.)
• Daima doğruyu söyler. (He/She always tells the truth.)
Notes
• Frequency adverbs are invariable.
• Hiç and asla must be paired with negative verb forms.
• Frequency meaning arises from the adverbic element, not from verbal morphology.
Adverbs of Frequency – FAQ (A2)
Q: What do adverbs of frequency express in Turkish?
A: Adverbs of frequency express how often an action occurs, marking repeated or habitual events in time.
Q: Where are adverbs of frequency placed in a Turkish sentence?
A: They typically appear before the verb within the predicate, following the order: Subject + Frequency Adverb + Verb Phrase.
Q: Do adverbs of frequency change form or take suffixes?
A: No. Adverbs of frequency are invariable and are not derived through productive morphology.