never
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɛvə/
US
- /ˈnɛvər/
Description
- at no time
- not ever
- not once
- no chance
"Never" tells us that something does not happen at any time, did not happen before, or should not happen at all. It is a strong word, and people use it when they want to sound clear and final. You might hear, "I will never tell your secret," or "I have never been there before." It can also show a strong rule or warning, as in "Never touch that wire," or add force to a feeling: "I have never seen anything like this."
The word "never" shows that something does not happen at any time. It is stronger than just saying "not" because it means "not at all" or "not on any occasion." Depending on the sentence, it can talk about the past, the present, the future, or a general rule.
People often use "never" to talk about life experience or past events: "I have never tried sushi," or "She had never seen snow before." In this use, it means that something has not happened even one time up to that point. It can also describe habits or repeated actions: "He never calls," meaning that this does not happen on any occasion.
"Never" is also common in promises, decisions, and strong feelings about the future: "I will never forget this day," or "We will never do that again." In commands and warnings, it gives a firm rule: "Never open that door," or "Never give up." In these cases, it can sound serious, emotional, or forceful.
Sometimes "never" is used for emphasis or exaggeration rather than strict fact. Someone might say, "I have never been so tired," or "Never have I seen such a mess," to make a feeling sound stronger. So, in everyday English, "never" can mark something that did not happen, does not happen, will not happen, or must not happen. It is a small word, but it carries a very strong sense of "not at any time."
Examples
- 1
Daily habits
I never drink coffee after dinner.
- 2
First meeting
We've never met before.
- 3
Personal honesty
She said she would never lie to her parents.
- 4
Warning
Never leave your keys in the car.
- 5
Missed message
I never got your message.
Usage
in spoken English, never can strongly mean "didn't" for one event
- 6
Relationships
We were never really close, but we stayed friendly.
- 7
Memories
I'll never forget the day we moved here.
- 8
Reliable effect
He never fails to make us laugh.
Pattern
never fails to + verb
always does it
- 9
Conversation repair
Never mind, I found the answer.
Phrase
never mind
forget what I just said, or don't worry about it
- 10
Uncertain possibility
You never know, the weather might clear up.
Phrase
you never know
something is possible, even if it is uncertain
- 11
Reassurance
It's never too late to say sorry.
Pattern
never too late to + verb
still possible
- 12
Formal emphasis
Never have I seen such a quiet airport.
Usage
never have I...
a formal or dramatic way to start a sentence
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- neveradverb