Screen time and how often: adverbs of frequency
Listening first. A grown-up reads a short talk: Our class talked about screen time. Screen time is the number of hours we spend looking at a screen. Our teacher says digital tools are useful, but eyes need rest, so we take a break every half hour. Social media means websites where people share messages and photos. Children must ask a grown-up before they join. Now grammar. We use the present simple for facts, habits and routines: I check my emails. He checks his emails. Add s with he, she and it: uses, watches, studies. Questions: Do you use a laptop? Does she use a laptop? No: I don’t use it. She doesn’t use it. Adverbs of frequency say how often. Always means every time (100%) and never means no time (0%). In between: usually is about 90% of the time, often 70%, sometimes 50% and rarely 10%. They go before the main verb: I often read ebooks. They go after be: He is always on time. To ask, say: How often do you use the computer?
| Adverb | Percent | Example |
|---|---|---|
| always | 100% | I always charge my tablet at night. |
| usually | 90% | She usually reads before bed. |
| often | 70% | We often use the school website. |
| sometimes | 50% | He sometimes plays a game. |
| rarely | 10% | I rarely watch videos at night. |
| never | 0% | They never share a password. |
Our class talked about screen time. Screen time is the number of hours we spend looking at a screen. Our teacher says digital tools are useful, but eyes need rest, so we take a break every half hour. Social media means websites where people share messages and photos. Children must ask a grown-up before they join.
How often do you use a computer, Seif?
I usually use it for homework. I use it on school days.
Do you play games on it?
I sometimes play, but only for an hour on Fridays, with my dad’s rule.
I rarely play. I prefer to ride my bike.
| With a verb | With be |
|---|---|
| I often read ebooks. | He is always on time. |
| She never forgets her password. | We are sometimes late. |
Habit survey. Ask three people at home: How often do you read a book? How often do you use a computer? Write each answer with always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely or never. Then say which is the most common habit.
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