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never

A1
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /nˈɛvə/

US

  • /ˈnɛvər/

Description

"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."

Examples

  1. 1

    Daily habits

    I never drink coffee after dinner.

  2. 2

    First meeting

    We've never met before.

  3. 3

    Personal honesty

    She said she would never lie to her parents.

  4. 4

    Warning

    Never leave your keys in the car.

  5. 5

    Missed message

    I never got your message.

    • Usage

      in spoken English, never can strongly mean "didn't" for one event

  6. 6

    Relationships

    We were never really close, but we stayed friendly.

  7. 7

    Memories

    I'll never forget the day we moved here.

  8. 8

    Reliable effect

    He never fails to make us laugh.

    • Pattern

      never fails to + verb

      always does it

  9. 9

    Conversation repair

    Never mind, I found the answer.

    • Phrase

      never mind

      forget what I just said, or don't worry about it

  10. 10

    Uncertain possibility

    You never know, the weather might clear up.

    • Phrase

      you never know

      something is possible, even if it is uncertain

  11. 11

    Reassurance

    It's never too late to say sorry.

    • Pattern

      never too late to + verb

      still possible

  12. 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