ONCE IN A BLUE MOON & other adverbs of frequency

Tom is ALWAYS in a rush, but he does stop to listen to musicians performing
in the subway NOW & THEN. He also drops a few bucks in their basket ONCE
IN A WHILE, especially when he's impressed with the performance. What about
you? Do you SOMETIMES stop to enjoy music by local artists around town? 

If you've been following our lessons on gerunds and infinitives, you've read about our main character Tom and have gotten to know him a little. In our first three episodes, Tom went on a couple of dates with Maria, got on the Staten Island Ferry for the first time, and met with Igor for language exchange.

For this lesson, let's get to know Tom a bit more while also practicing ADVERBS AND EXPRESSIONS OF FREQUENCY. As you read about Tom, notice these adverbs and expressions in capital letters.

OUR STORY CONTINUES: About Tom
Tom is so busy these days. Between his job as an office assistant and applying to medical school, he has very little free time. He doesn't go out on the town as much as he used to, but he still makes time to hang out with a couple of friends. He spends time with them at least ONCE A MONTH, and they USUALLY either check out a concert by a local band or head out to Yankee Stadium to watch a game. He and his friends are diehard Yankee fans. Tom also enjoys music and is ALWAYS eager to check out local artists performing around town. In fact, he stops to listen to the small concerts in the subway EVERY SO OFTEN and even gives them a few bucks if he enjoys the show.

            GO OUT ON THE TOWN - go out to have fun

            DIEHARD - strong supporters; stubborn

            EVERY SO OFTEN - sometimes, from time to time