always
/'ɔ:lwəz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- At all times; on every occasion; without exception: Indicates that something is true or happens in every instance or situation.
- Forever; for all future time; throughout all time: Indicates that something will continue indefinitely into the future.
- In any case; as a last resort or possibility: Used to suggest an action that can be taken if needed.
Usage and Examples
- Indicating habitual occurrence or constant truth:
- She always brushes her teeth before bed. (This is her invariable habit.)
- The sun always rises in the east. (This is a constant, unchanging truth.)
- Indicating perpetual continuation:
- I will always remember you. (My memory of you will last forever.)
- He promised to love her always. (His love will last for all time.)
- Suggesting an available option:
- If the train is late, you can always take a bus. (Taking a bus is a reliable alternative.)
- You could always ask for help. (Asking for help is a possible course of action.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Not always": Used to indicate that something is not invariably true, introducing an exception.
- He is not always right. (He is sometimes wrong.)
- For emphasis or exaggeration: Often used in informal contexts to strengthen a statement, though not meant literally.
- You always leave your socks on the floor! (This exaggerates frequency for emphasis, meaning "very often.")
- In constant change: Can describe a state of uninterrupted flux.
- Technology is always evolving. (Technology is in a state of constant, continuous change.)
Variants and Related Words
- Everlasting (adj): Lasting forever or for a very long time.
- They promised everlasting friendship.
- Invariably (adv): In every case or on every occasion; always. (More formal synonym)
- She is invariably polite.
- Perpetually (adv): In a way that never ends or changes; constantly.
- He seems perpetually busy.
Synonyms
- Constantly: Regularly over a period of time; always.
- Continuously: Without interruption.
- Invariably: In every case; always.
- Forever: For all future time; always.
Antonyms
- Never: At no time; not ever.
- Sometimes: Occasionally, rather than always.
- Seldom: Not often; rarely.
Common Phrases and Idioms
- Always and forever: An emphatic phrase stressing eternal duration.
- I will be grateful to you always and forever.
- As always: In the usual or expected way.
- He was, as always, impeccably dressed.
- You can always...: A phrase used to suggest a fallback option or solution.
- If you're hungry, you can always make a sandwich.
Adverb
- forever; throughout all time
- we will always be friends
- I shall treasure it always
- I will always love you
- at any time or in any event
- you can always resign if you don't like it
- you could always take a day off
- without interruption
- the world is constantly changing
- without variation or change, in every case
- constantly kind and gracious
- he always arrives on time
- at all times; all the time and on every occasion
- I will always be there to help you
- always arrives on time
- there is always some pollution in the air
- ever hoping to strike it rich
- ever busy