English Time Expressions and Adverbs of Frequency

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering English time expressions, signal words, and adverbs of frequency compiled from the lecture sources.

Ago

An adverb of time placed after a duration to refer to a specific point back in the past (e.g., 'two days ago'), commonly functioning as a time marker for the past simple tense.

Yesterday

An adverb or noun of time denoting the day preceding today, frequently used as a signal word for the past simple tense.

Last

A time determiner paired with periods of time (such as 'last week', 'last month', or 'last night') to indicate the most recent past occurrence.

For ages

An idiomatic expression of time meaning for a very long period, frequently used in conversational English with the present perfect tense (e.g., 'I haven't seen you for ages').

Tonight

An adverb or noun denoting the present night or the night of the current day, often used to refer to immediate future plans.

Next

A time determiner placed before time units (such as 'next week', 'next month', or 'next year') to indicate the period immediately following the present one, serving as a future marker.

Rarely

An adverb of frequency meaning not often or infrequently, denoting that an event occurs very seldom.

Seldom

An adverb of frequency meaning rarely or almost never, used to describe actions or events that occur with very low frequency.

Tomorrow

An adverb or noun of time referring to the day immediately following today, functioning as a primary signal word for future events.

Already

An adverb of time indicating that an action occurred earlier than expected or before the present moment, typically used in affirmative statements with the present perfect tense.

Often

An adverb of frequency meaning frequently, many times, or at regular short intervals.

Recently

An adverb of time meaning in the near past or not long ago, commonly used with both the present perfect and the past simple tenses.

Before

An adverb, preposition, or conjunction signifying an event, period, or point earlier than the present time or prior to another specified occurrence.

Ever

An adverb of time meaning at any time in history or experience, commonly used in questions and negative constructions with the present perfect tense (e.g., 'Have you ever…?').

Sometimes

An adverb of frequency meaning occasionally or on certain occasions, rather than continuously or all the time.

In (time expression)

A preposition used with durations to signify how much time will elapse before a future event happens (e.g., 'in ten minutes') or to designate a specific month, year, or season (e.g., 'in 2024', 'in summer').