never
Used to say that something does not happen at any time in the past, present, or future. It describes a frequency of zero percent and is the opposite of always.
Examples
3 of 5I never drink coffee in the evening because I want to sleep.
I do not drink coffee at all during the evening hours.
The director never signs documents without reading them first.
The director does not sign papers at any time without a review.
I'm never going to finish this homework!
It feels like I will not complete this work at any point.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
The word 'Never' starts with 'N', just like the word 'No'. Think: N + Ever = No Ever.
Quick Quiz
He is very healthy because he ___ smokes cigarettes.
Correct!
The correct answer is: never
Examples
I never drink coffee in the evening because I want to sleep.
everydayI do not drink coffee at all during the evening hours.
The director never signs documents without reading them first.
formalThe director does not sign papers at any time without a review.
I'm never going to finish this homework!
informalIt feels like I will not complete this work at any point.
Research indicates that these two chemicals never react when mixed.
academicScientific data shows the chemicals do not react at any time.
Our company never shares client information with third parties.
businessThe business does not give out customer data at any time.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Better late than never
It is better to arrive or do something late than to not do it at all.
Never say never
Do not say that something is impossible because it might happen.
Now or never
This is the only opportunity to do something.
Often Confused With
Ever is used in questions or after negatives to mean 'at any time', while never means 'at no time'.
Not is a general negative, while never specifically emphasizes that the frequency is zero.
Usage Notes
In most sentences, place 'never' before the main verb, but after the verb 'to be' or auxiliary verbs like 'have' or 'will'.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 'never' with another negative word like 'don't' or 'not'. For example, say 'I never go' instead of 'I don't never go'.
Memory Tip
The word 'Never' starts with 'N', just like the word 'No'. Think: N + Ever = No Ever.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'nǣfre', which is a combination of 'ne' (not) and 'ǣfre' (ever).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking cultures, 'never' is often used emphatically in promises or to express strong personal principles.
Quick Quiz
He is very healthy because he ___ smokes cigarettes.
Correct!
The correct answer is: never
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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