A1 adverb Neutral #267 most common

never

/ˈnev.ər/

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 5
1

I never drink coffee in the evening because I want to sleep.

I do not drink coffee at all during the evening hours.

2

The director never signs documents without reading them first.

The director does not sign papers at any time without a review.

3

I'm never going to finish this homework!

It feels like I will not complete this work at any point.

Word Family

Adverb
never
Adjective
never-ending
Related
never-never land
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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

1

I never drink coffee in the evening because I want to sleep.

everyday

I do not drink coffee at all during the evening hours.

2

The director never signs documents without reading them first.

formal

The director does not sign papers at any time without a review.

3

I'm never going to finish this homework!

informal

It feels like I will not complete this work at any point.

4

Research indicates that these two chemicals never react when mixed.

academic

Scientific data shows the chemicals do not react at any time.

5

Our company never shares client information with third parties.

business

The business does not give out customer data at any time.

Word Family

Adverb
never
Adjective
never-ending
Related
never-never land

Common Collocations

never again not one more time in the future
never mind do not worry about it or forget what I said
almost never very rarely; happens very few times
never before not until this specific moment
never-ending something that seems like it will not stop

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

never vs ever

Ever is used in questions or after negatives to mean 'at any time', while never means 'at no time'.

never vs not

Not is a general negative, while never specifically emphasizes that the frequency is zero.

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Usage Notes

In most sentences, place 'never' before the main verb, but after the verb 'to be' or auxiliary verbs like 'have' or 'will'.

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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

Subject + never + present simple verb (I never eat meat) Subject + verb to be + never (He is never late) Subject + modal/auxiliary + never + verb (I will never forget)
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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 Phrases

Related Words

consequent

C2

In logic and philosophy, a consequent is the second part of a conditional proposition, following the 'if' clause (the antecedent). It represents the result or deduction that follows necessarily or naturally from a previous statement or condition.

administrate

B2

To manage, supervise, or oversee the operations and activities of an organization, program, or system. It involves the practical execution of policies and the organization of resources to achieve specific goals.

administrative

C1

Relating to the organization and management of a business, institution, or government. It describes the practical tasks, systems, and procedures required to keep an entity running efficiently behind the scenes.

assistant

C2

A person who ranks below a senior professional and aids them in their duties, often handling specialized tasks or administrative burdens. In a professional or academic context, an assistant often possesses significant expertise but operates under the direction of a superior to facilitate complex operations.

commissioner

C1

A high-ranking official who is in charge of a government department, a public organization, or a professional sports league. This person is typically appointed to exercise administrative authority or to oversee a specific commission or set of regulations.

computer

C1

A sophisticated electronic device designed to store, retrieve, and process data through programmed instructions. In modern discourse, it encompasses everything from microprocessors in appliances to high-performance servers facilitating global networks.

conclusion

C2

A final judgment, decision, or opinion reached by reasoning after considering all evidence and facts. It also refers to the final part of a piece of writing or a speech that summarizes the main points and provides a closing statement.

consume

C1

To consume means to use up a resource, such as energy, time, or goods, or to eat and drink something. In academic contexts, it often refers to the utilization of information, products, or services by individuals or groups within an economy or social system.

design

C1

A detailed plan or scheme that outlines the functional and aesthetic features of an object or system before it is made. In an academic context, it refers to the deliberate structure or methodology of a study or process designed to achieve specific outcomes.

consumer

B2

A consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for personal use rather than for resale or business purposes. In a broader biological or ecological context, it refers to any organism that feeds on other organisms or organic matter.

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