Adverbs of time: list and examples
Adverbs of time tell us when something happens (now, today, soon, recently), for how long (all day, since, for a while) or how often (always, often, never). Most go at the end of the sentence: "I'll call you tomorrow."
Common adverbs of time
| Type | Examples | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| When (definite) | now, today, tonight, yesterday, tomorrow, then | We leave tomorrow. |
| When (indefinite) | soon, recently, lately, later, already, once, eventually, just | I recently moved. |
| How long | all day, for a while, since, briefly, temporarily, still, yet | She's still at work. |
| How often (frequency) | always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, daily, weekly | He always runs early. |
| Relationship in time | before, after, already, yet, still, first, next, finally | Have you eaten yet? |
Where do they go?
- End position (most common): "I saw her yesterday."
- Front position for emphasis or contrast: "Yesterday it rained; today it's sunny."
- Frequency adverbs go before the main verb but after "be": "I often walk." / "She is always late."
- Order when you stack them: how long → how often → when. "I worked there for a year (how long) every summer (how often) until 2020 (when)."
What does "recently" mean?
Recently means a short time ago, not long before now: "I recently started a new job." It is spelled r-e-c-e-n-t-l-y. Lately is similar but suggests something repeated or ongoing ("I've been tired lately"). Close synonyms: newly, just, of late, not long ago.
Tricky pairs
- Already / yet / still: "already" = sooner than expected (I've already eaten); "yet" = up to now, in questions and negatives (Not yet); "still" = continuing (It's still raining).
- At times: sometimes, occasionally: "At times the line is very long."
- Ago follows a time amount: "two hours ago". Need the exact clock time? Try hours ago or minutes ago.
Questions people ask
What is an adverb of time?
A word or phrase that tells when, how long or how often something happens, such as now, yesterday, soon, recently, always or for a while.
Is "recently" an adverb of time?
Yes. It means a short time ago: "We recently moved."
What does "at times" mean?
Sometimes; on some occasions but not always.
Where do adverbs of time go in a sentence?
Usually at the end ("I'll see you tomorrow"). They can go at the start for emphasis; frequency adverbs like always go before the main verb.
Sources
Related: words and idioms about time · "clock it" meaning · what is time?
Last updated October 21, 2026.