Adverb of Time – Definition, Examples, Sentences, and List

When we talk about actions, we often answer questions like When did it happen?, How often does it happen?, or For how long does it happen? The words that answer these questions are called Adverbs of Time.

In this blog, you will learn everything about Adverbs of Time — their definition, examples, types, rules of usage, and practice sentences. You will also get a list of Adverbs of Time and fun worksheets to help your child master this grammar topic easily.

What is an Adverb of Time? (Definition)

An Adverb of Time tells us when an action happens, for how long it continues, or how often it occurs.
It gives more information about the time of the verb in a sentence.

Adverb of Time Definition:
An Adverb of Time is a word that tells when, how long, or how often an action takes place.

Examples of Adverbs of Time

Here are some common examples of Adverbs of Time:

• Yesterday

• Today

• Tomorrow

• Now

• Soon

• Later

• Always

• Never

• Often

• Recently

These words help the reader understand when something happened or how frequently it happens.

Adverb of Time in Sentences

Let’s look at a few examples to understand how Adverbs of Time are used in sentences:

1. I will call you tomorrow.

2. She always wakes up early.

3. They met yesterday after school.

4. The train arrived late.

5. We will go shopping soon.

6. He has already finished his homework.

7. The teacher will start the class now.

8. I have been waiting since morning.

9. She goes for a walk every day.

10. We will play cricket later.

Notice how each bold word answers the question when or how often the action happens.

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Types of Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of Time can be divided into three main types based on the kind of time information they provide.

1. Adverbs Showing When

These adverbs tell when something happened, happens, or will happen.
Examples: yesterday, today, tomorrow, now, then, before, soon, later, already.

Example Sentences:

• The meeting will begin soon.

• He came yesterday.

• I am leaving now.

• She will visit us tomorrow.

2. Adverbs Showing How Often

These adverbs tell how frequently or how often an action takes place.
Examples: always, never, often, sometimes, rarely, occasionally, usually.

Example Sentences:

• She always eats breakfast.

• He never forgets his homework.

• They often visit their grandparents.

• I rarely eat junk food.

3. Adverbs Showing How Long

These adverbs tell for how long something happens or continues.
Examples: since, until, still, already, yet, all day, for hours.

Example Sentences:

• We waited all day for the rain to stop.

• He has been studying since morning.

• She hasn’t arrived yet.

• I have already done my work.

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Position of Adverbs of Time in a Sentence

The placement of Adverbs of Time is important. They usually appear:

1. At the end of a sentence – when we mention when something happens.

   • Example: We’ll meet tomorrow.

2. Before the main verb – especially with frequency adverbs.

   • Example: She always helps her friends.

3. Between the auxiliary and main verb – with adverbs like already, yet, still.

   • Example: I have already finished the task.

Tip: Never put two Adverbs of Time together unless one shows frequency and the other shows specific time.

• Correct: I visit my grandparents often on Sundays.

• Incorrect: I visit my grandparents often regularly.

List of Common Adverbs of Time

Here’s a handy list of common Adverbs of Time for kids to remember:

Difference Between Adverb of Time and Adverb of Frequency

Note: Some adverbs like always and often can act as both, depending on context.

Adverb of Time Worksheet for Kids

Try this simple worksheet to test your understanding.
Fill in the blanks with suitable Adverbs of Time.

1. We will go to the park __________.

2. She has not completed her work __________.

3. My parents arrived __________.

4. I have been waiting for you __________ morning.

5. He visits his grandparents __________.

6. The train left __________.

7. They will come back __________.

8. She eats fruits __________.

9. I will call you __________.

10. He has __________ finished the task.

Answer Key:

1. tomorrow

2. yet

3. yesterday

4. since

5. every week

6. early

7. soon

8. daily

9. later

10. already

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Examples of Adverb of Time Sentences

Here are 20 example sentences using different Adverbs of Time:

1. She will call you later.

2. We visited the zoo yesterday.

3. The teacher is coming now.

4. I have been studying since morning.

5. He completed the project already.

6. They will reach tomorrow.

7. She goes to school every day.

8. We play cricket on Sundays.

9. He hasn’t come home yet.

10. The bell rang just now.

11. We are leaving soon.

12. She works hard always.

13. He eats out rarely.

14. The results were announced recently.

15. I’ll talk to him after lunch.

16. My brother will arrive tonight.

17. The movie started earlier than expected.

18. We go on vacation once a year.

19. I met her last week.

20. The shop opens daily at 9 AM.

Using Adverbs of Time Correctly

To use Adverbs of Time effectively, keep these points in mind:

1. Choose the right adverb depending on whether you are referring to “when,” “how long,” or “how often.”

2. Avoid repetition of similar adverbs in the same sentence.

3. Place the adverb in the correct position (usually at the end or before the main verb).

4. Combine Adverbs of Time with Prepositions of Time (like in the morning, at night, on Monday) to make your writing richer.

Example:

• Incorrect: I go to school always in the morning.

• Correct: I always go to school in the morning.

Why Learning Adverbs of Time is Important

Learning Adverbs of Time helps children:

• Improve their grammar and sentence clarity.

• Describe time-based actions more accurately.

• Build strong writing and speaking skills.

• Perform better in school grammar tests and creative writing.

For example, instead of writing “I eat breakfast,” a child can say “I eat breakfast every morning,” which sounds more complete and expressive.

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How to Teach Adverbs of Time to Kids

Teaching grammar concepts like Adverbs of Time can be fun when done creatively. Here are some practical ideas:

1. Storytelling: Ask kids to narrate their day using Adverbs of Time like yesterday, today, tomorrow.

2. Grammar Games: Use flashcards or matching games where children pair verbs with suitable adverbs.

3. Worksheets: Let kids fill blanks in short stories using adverbs.

4. Real-life Practice: Encourage kids to describe their schedule — for example, “I do my homework at 5 PM every day.”

5. Videos and Songs: Fun grammar videos or rhymes help younger learners remember easily.

Common Mistakes with Adverbs of Time

Here are a few errors learners often make and how to correct them:

Adverb of Time vs Adverb of Place

To make sure students don’t confuse these two, here’s a quick comparison:

10 Examples of Adverb of Time for Quick Reference

1. Yesterday

2. Today

3. Tomorrow

4. Now

5. Later

6. Already

7. Yet

8. Always

9. Never

10. Recently

These ten are the most common Adverbs of Time children use in daily writing and speech.

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Practice Exercise – Identify the Adverb of Time

Underline the Adverb of Time in each sentence:

1. I will see you tomorrow.

2. She has already completed her work.

3. He goes to gym every morning.

4. The train left an hour ago.

5. I haven’t seen him recently.

6. They often go hiking.

7. We will travel soon.

8. She is still waiting for you.

9. My parents came yesterday.

10. I have lived here since 2010.

Recap – Key Takeaways

• Adverb of Time Definition: It tells when, how often, or for how long something happens.

• Examples: today, yesterday, always, never, soon, since, yet.

• Types: Adverbs showing when, how often, and how long.

• Position: Usually at the end or before the verb.

• Importance: Helps in expressing timing clearly and improving writing.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an Adverb of Time?
An Adverb of Time is a word that tells when, how long, or how often an action happens. It adds clarity about the time of an event.
Example: yesterday, today, tomorrow, now, soon, already, always.

2. What is the definition of Adverb of Time?
An Adverb of Time modifies a verb by showing when the action happens or for how long it continues.
Example: “I will call you tomorrow.” (The word tomorrow tells when.)

3. What questions does an Adverb of Time answer?
It answers questions like:

• When? (I came yesterday.)

• How often? (She always studies.)

• How long? (He waited all day.)

4. What are the types of Adverbs of Time?
There are three main types of Adverbs of Time:

• Adverbs showing when: today, tomorrow, yesterday, now, later.

• Adverbs showing how often: always, never, often, rarely.

• Adverbs showing how long: since, until, still, already.

5. What are 10 examples of Adverbs of Time?
Here are ten examples: yesterday, today, tomorrow, now, later, soon, already, yet, always, never.

6. What are some sentences using Adverbs of Time?

• She will come tomorrow.

• He has already completed the work.

• I go to school every day.

• We met yesterday.

• The class starts now.

7. What is the difference between Adverb of Time and Adverb of Frequency?
Adverb of Time tells when something happens. Example: “I met her yesterday.”
Adverb of Frequency tells how often something happens. Example: “I often meet her.”