Ever or Never?
2020-04-04
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1This week we answer a question from Viola in China, who writes:
2I'm following your program all the time and I love it so much.
3I desperately want to learn about the meaning of the word "ever," especially the differences between "ever" and "never." Thanks very much!
4Dear Viola,
5Thanks for following our program.
6There are some simple rules that may help you learn how to use the words "ever" and "never."
7"Ever" is an adverb, so it affects the meaning of a verb.
8The simple meaning of "ever" is "at least once."
9It can also mean, "at all times." Language experts tell us that "ever" only belongs in sentences with some negative quality. For example,
10She didn't ever call back.
11means the same as, She did not call at all times.
12You will see "ever" in questions. The question,
13Have you ever seen the northern lights?
14means the same as Have you seen the northern lights at least once?
15Where is the negative in that question? Grammar experts say that when you ask a question, there may be a negative answer.
16So "ever" is used in this kind of question.
17Ever can also express a doubt, as in:
18If you ever see that man again, ask his name.
19The speaker here is unsure about whether the listener will see the man again.
20On the other hand, "never" already has a negative idea, so it belongs in sentences without any negative.
21"Never" is also an adverb, and it means "not ever," or "not at any time."
22I have never seen such a beautiful sky.
23Another difference is that you can use "never" as a one-word answer, while you cannot do so with "ever." For example:
24A: You copied my work.
25B: Me? Never!
26And that's Ask a Teacher for this week.
27I hope you never stop asking questions!
28I'm Jill Robbins.
1This week we answer a question from Viola in China, who writes: 2Question: 3I'm following your program all the time and I love it so much. I desperately want to learn about the meaning of the word "ever," especially the differences between "ever" and "never." Thanks very much! 4- Viola, China 5Answer: 6Dear Viola, 7Thanks for following our program. There are some simple rules that may help you learn how to use the words "ever" and "never." 8Ever 9"Ever" is an adverb, so it affects the meaning of a verb. The simple meaning of "ever" is "at least once." It can also mean, "at all times." Language experts tell us that "ever" only belongs in sentences with some negative quality. For example, 10She didn't ever call back. 11means the same as, She did not call at all times. 12You will see "ever" in questions. The question, 13Have you ever seen the northern lights? 14means the same as Have you seen the northern lights at least once? 15Where is the negative in that question? Grammar experts say that when you ask a question, there may be a negative answer. So "ever" is used in this kind of question. 16Ever can also express a doubt, as in: 17If you ever see that man again, ask his name. 18The speaker here is unsure about whether the listener will see the man again. 19Never 20On the other hand, "never" already has a negative idea, so it belongs in sentences without any negative. "Never" is also an adverb, and it means "not ever," or "not at any time." 21I have never seen such a beautiful sky. 22Another difference is that you can use "never" as a one-word answer, while you cannot do so with "ever." For example: 23A: You copied my work. 24B: Me? Never! 25And that's Ask a Teacher for this week. I hope you never stop asking questions! 26I'm Jill Robbins. 27Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. 28_________________________________________________________________ 29Words in This Story 30negative - n. a word or statement that means "no" or that expresses a denial or refusal 31doubt - v. to be uncertain about (something); to believe that (something) may not be true or is unlikely 32Do you have a question for the teacher? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section