Adverbs – Adverbs of Time (When?) – 23 Common Grammar Topics in the Cambridge Starters Exam

An adverb is a word that modifies or gives more information about a verb, an adjective, or even another adverb. It tells us more about how, when, where, or to what extent something happens. For example, adverbs of manner describe how an action is done (e.g., “quickly”), while adverbs of time tell when (e.g., “now”). Adverbs of place show where something happens (e.g., “here”), and adverbs of degree indicate intensity or extent (e.g., “very”). They provide extra detail to a sentence, making the meaning clearer and more specific. Most adverbs of manner are formed by adding “-ly” to adjectives.

Let’s break down the key types of adverbs to make it clear: Adverbs of Manner (How?); Adverbs of Time (When?); Adverbs of Place (Where?); Adverbs of Degree (To what extent?)

In this article, we will discover about Adverbs of Time (When?).
Adverbs of Time tell us when something happens or the duration of an action. Common examples include yesterday, today, tomorrow, now, and soon. These adverbs usually appear at the end of a sentence but can sometimes come at the beginning for emphasis. They help clarify the time of an action, making sentences more informative and specific.

1. Position in the Sentence

Adverbs of time usually go at the end of a sentence. However, they can sometimes be placed at the beginning to emphasize the time.
Examples:
📅 We will have a meeting to discuss the project details and next steps tomorrow.
🕒 She finished her homework after spending several hours preparing for the exam yesterday.
🌞 I am going to the park to enjoy some fresh air and relax later.
🔜 They will arrive at the airport, so we should leave to pick them up soon.
⏰ He is studying for the test because the exam is scheduled for tomorrow morning now.
🕒 Yesterday, we spent the entire afternoon working on the school project and preparing for the test.
🗓️ Tomorrow, my family and I will drive to the countryside to visit my grandparents for the weekend.
🌞 Today, we have a lot of tasks to complete before the deadline, so we must stay focused.
⏳ Soon, the new movie will be released, and we are planning to watch it together.
📅 Next week, the company will hold a major meeting to discuss future plans and upcoming projects.

2. Common Adverbs of Time

2.1 Adverbs of Time: When?
Here are some common adverbs of time and how they are used:
Now; Then; Today; Tomorrow; Yesterday; Tonight; This morning; This afternoon; This evening; Soon; Later; Immediately; Recently; Lately; Eventually; Already
Before; Afterwards; Earlier; Next; Last; First; Finally; Once; By now; At the moment; In a while; In the past; In the future

👉 Now: refers to the present moment.
🕒 Now, I am working on my homework while listening to music.
📞 Now, we can talk on the phone since I have some free time.
👉 Then: refers to a specific time in the past or future.
🕰️ Then, we went to the park and had a picnic in the afternoon.
📅 Then, we will start the project once everyone has arrived.
👉 Today: refers to the current day.
🗓️ Today, we will have a meeting to discuss the new project.
🎒 Today, the teacher gave us a lot of homework to complete by tomorrow.
👉 Tomorrow: refers to the day after today.
🗓️ Tomorrow, I will visit my grandparents for the weekend.
🚗 Tomorrow, we are planning a road trip to the mountains.
👉 Yesterday: refers to the day before today.
📅 Yesterday, we watched a movie at the cinema and had dinner afterwards.
🎉 Yesterday, my friend celebrated her birthday with a big party.
👉 Tonight: refers to the current evening or night.
🌙 Tonight, we will go out for dinner at our favorite restaurant.
🍿 Tonight, I plan to watch a movie at home with my family.
👉 This morning: refers to the early part of the current day.
🌅 This morning, I went for a run in the park before breakfast.
☕ This morning, I had a meeting with my boss about a new project.
👉 This afternoon: refers to the midday or afternoon of the current day.
☀️ This afternoon, we will visit the museum to see the new exhibition.
🍽️ This afternoon, I’m meeting a friend for lunch at a local cafe.
👉 This evening: refers to the later part of the current day.
🌇 This evening, we are attending a concert downtown.
🎥 This evening, I’ll watch my favorite TV show after dinner.
👉 Soon: means in a short time from now.
⏳ Soon, we will know the results of the competition.
🚀 Soon, I’ll be traveling abroad for a new job opportunity.
👉 Later: refers to a time after the present moment.
⌛ Later, I will finish my homework after taking a short break.
🍴 Later, we are going out for dinner once we finish our tasks.
👉 Immediately: means without delay, right away.
🚨 Immediately, I called my friend when I heard the news.
🏃 Immediately, we left the building when the fire alarm went off.
👉 Recently: refers to a short time ago.
🔄 Recently, I started a new hobby, and I’m enjoying it a lot.
📚 Recently, I’ve been reading more books to improve my knowledge.
👉 Lately: means in the recent past.
🗞️ Lately, I’ve been feeling very tired because of work.
📈 Lately, our company has been experiencing a lot of growth.
👉 Eventually: means after some time or a delay.
⏲️ Eventually, we arrived at the airport after a long traffic jam.
🎯 Eventually, I achieved my goal after months of hard work.
👉 Already: refers to something that has happened before now.
✅ Already, I have finished all my homework for the day.
🎓 Already, she has completed her degree and is looking for a job.
👉 Before: refers to an earlier time.
⏪ Before, we used to visit that restaurant every weekend.
⏳ Before, I had never traveled outside of the country.
👉 Afterwards: means later or after a specific event.
🕑 Afterwards, we went for ice cream to celebrate our win.
🍽️ Afterwards, I’ll clean up the kitchen after we finish dinner.
👉 Earlier: means before a specific time.
🕘 Earlier, I sent you the report via email before the meeting.
🕥 Earlier, we had a brief discussion about the upcoming event.
👉 Next: refers to the time immediately following the present.
🗓️ Next, we’ll discuss the final details of the project.
🚪 Next, I will visit the new store that just opened.
👉 Last: refers to the time immediately before the present.
⏮️ Last, we reviewed the final chapter of the book before the test.
🎤 Last, she performed at the concert and received a standing ovation.
👉 First: refers to the time before all others.
🥇 First, we need to complete our research before writing the report.
🎓 First, she graduated from college and then began her career.
👉 Finally: means after a long wait or series of events.
🏁 Finally, we arrived at our destination after a long journey.
🎉 Finally, I finished my project after working on it for weeks.
👉 Once: refers to one time or a specific time in the past.
🔄 Once, we visited Paris and saw all the major attractions.
🌍 Once, I traveled to Japan for a conference on technology.
👉 By now: refers to something that should have happened or been expected by the present time.
📅 By now, she should have arrived at the airport.
⏱️ By now, I thought you would have finished reading the book.
👉 At the moment: means right now, in the present.
📞 At the moment, I am speaking with a client about their needs.
📝 At the moment, I am busy writing an important report for work.
👉 In a while: means after some time, soon.
⏳ In a while, we will take a break from our work and relax.
🍂 In a while, the leaves will start changing color as autumn begins.
👉 In the past: refers to a previous time, long ago.
⌛ In the past, people used to write letters instead of sending emails.
🏰 In the past, this castle was home to kings and queens.
👉 In the future: refers to a time after now.
🚀 In the future, I hope to travel to different countries and explore new cultures.
🌐 In the future, technology will continue to evolve and change our lives.

2.2 Adverbs of Duration: How long?
Adverbs of Duration describe how long an action lasts. They provide information about the length or duration of an event.

Here are some common adverbs of Duration and how they are used:
👉 For a while: refers to a short, undefined period of time.
⏳ For a while, I was working on the report before I took a break.
📚 For a while, they stopped talking and just listened to the music.
🕰️ For a while, we didn’t hear from her, but now she’s back in touch.
👉 For a long time: indicates a significant, extended period of time.
🕰️ For a long time, they waited in the cold for the bus to arrive.
📘 For a long time, I struggled with understanding that math concept.
🌍 For a long time, she has been planning her dream vacation to Europe.
👉 All day: means the entire day, from morning until night.
☀️ All day, they played in the park and enjoyed the sunshine.
📅 All day, I was busy with meetings and had no time to rest.
🍿 All day, she stayed home and watched movies while it rained outside.
👉 All night: refers to the entire night, from evening until morning.
🌜 All night, the party continued with music, dancing, and fun.
💤 All night, the baby was crying, and we couldn’t get much sleep.
📖 All night, I stayed up studying for the big exam the next morning.
👉 Forever: indicates an infinite or indefinite length of time.
🔗 Forever, they promised to stay best friends no matter what happened.
🏛️ Forever, the monument will stand as a reminder of our history.
🌿 Forever, we will remember the lessons learned from this experience.
👉 Since: used to refer to the time from a particular point in the past until now.
📅 Since last week, I’ve been feeling much better after the flu.
🏗️ Since 2015, they have been working on this large construction project.
🏡 Since I moved here, I’ve made many new friends in the neighborhood.
👉 Until: refers to a specific point in time when something will stop or change.
⏰ Until 5 p.m., we’ll be working on this project to meet the deadline.
📅 Until next Monday, you have time to submit your assignment.
☔ Until the rain stops, we’ll wait inside and enjoy some coffee.
👉 Still: indicates that something is continuing or ongoing.
🔄 Still, they haven’t finished cleaning up after the party.
🚗 Still, the traffic jam hasn’t cleared, and we are stuck on the highway.
📧 Still, I’m waiting for the email with the final instructions.
👉 Temporarily: refers to something that is happening for a limited or short period of time.
🏨 Temporarily, we will be staying at a hotel while our house is being renovated.
🛍️ Temporarily, the store has moved its location to a nearby mall.
🚧 Temporarily, the road is closed due to construction, but it will reopen soon.

2.3 Adverbs of Frequency (Also related to time): How often?
Adverbs of Frequency describe how often something happens. They are typically placed before the main verb, but after the verb “to be.” These adverbs help clarify the frequency of actions, making sentences more specific and informative.

Here are some common adverbs of Frequency and how they are used:
👉 Always: means every time or all the time, without exception.
🕒 Always, she brings a cup of coffee to work every morning before starting her tasks.
📅 Always, they celebrate their wedding anniversary with a special dinner at a nice restaurant.
🚶‍♀️ Always, I take a walk in the park after lunch to clear my mind and relax.
👉 Never: means not at any time or on no occasion.
🚫 Never, he forgets to call his mom on her birthday, even when he’s very busy.
🍫 Never, do I eat chocolate late at night because it keeps me awake for hours.
✈️ Never, have we traveled to another country without planning the trip carefully in advance.
👉 Often: means frequently, but not always.
📚 Often, she reads a book before going to bed to help her fall asleep.
🌧️ Often, it rains in the afternoon during the summer, making the air feel cooler.
💻 Often, I work late into the night when there’s an important project deadline approaching.
👉 Frequently: means happening many times or regularly.
🚲 Frequently, he rides his bicycle to work because it’s quicker than driving in heavy traffic.
📧 Frequently, I check my emails throughout the day to make sure I don’t miss anything important.
📺 Frequently, they watch documentaries together because they enjoy learning about different cultures.
👉 Sometimes: means on some occasions but not always.
🍽️ Sometimes, we eat out at a restaurant when we don’t feel like cooking dinner at home.
📝 Sometimes, I forget to bring my notebook to meetings, which makes it hard to follow the discussion.
🚗 Sometimes, he drives instead of taking the bus when the weather is too cold.
👉 Occasionally: means happening once in a while or infrequently.
🍕 Occasionally, we order pizza when we want a quick and easy dinner option.
🎥 Occasionally, she goes to the cinema with her friends to watch the latest movies.
✈️ Occasionally, I travel for work to meet clients in different cities and discuss projects.
👉 Rarely: means not happening often.
🌊 Rarely, do we go to the beach during the winter months when it’s too cold to swim.
🍳 Rarely, does he cook breakfast because he prefers to eat something quick in the morning.
🖼️ Rarely, does she visit art galleries, even though she enjoys looking at paintings.
👉 Seldom: means not frequently, similar to “rarely.”
🌧️ Seldom, does it snow in this region, so it’s always exciting when we get a little snow.
🚌 Seldom, do they take the bus because they prefer to drive to work every day.
🎸 Seldom, does he play his guitar, but when he does, he plays beautifully.
👉 Constantly: means continuously or all the time.
📱 Constantly, she checks her phone for new messages even during meetings or important events.
💼 Constantly, he talks about his job, even when we’re out with friends having dinner.
📝 Constantly, I’m thinking about new ideas for my project and how to improve the final result.
👉 Every day: means happening daily or on each day.
🌅 Every day, I wake up at 6 a.m. to start my morning routine with a quick workout.
🏃 Every day, she jogs around the park to stay healthy and improve her fitness.
📖 Every day, he reads the newspaper in the morning to stay updated on current events.
👉 Every week: means happening once or more during each week.
🏫 Every week, I attend a language class to improve my speaking and listening skills.
🛒 Every week, we go grocery shopping to stock up on food and household essentials.
📞 Every week, she calls her grandparents to check in and chat with them about her life.
👉 Every year: means happening annually or once a year.
🎂 Every year, we throw a big birthday party for our best friend at her favorite restaurant.
🎄 Every year, they decorate their house with lights and ornaments for the holiday season.
🏖️ Every year, I go on vacation to a new destination to explore different cultures and landscapes.