Chinese grammar: "Always" with "zongshi"

总是 （zǒngshì）and 老是 （lǎoshì) have the same meaning. Both can be interchanged in the same sentence.

Structure with Verbs

总是 + V.

Examples:

Tā zǒnɡshì chídào.
他 总是 迟到。

He is always late.

wǒ zǒnɡshì wànɡjì zhè ɡè cí.
我 总是 忘记 这 个 词。

I always forget this word.

Structure with Adjectives

 总是 + adjunct word + Adjectives

Examples:

Hǎinán zǒnɡshì nàme rè.
海南 总是 那么 热。

Hainan is always that hot.

Bié zǒnɡshì bú ɡāoxìnɡ.
别 总是 不 高兴。

Don't always be be unhappy.