ever

Everyday

1. At any time: «Have you ever seen a whale?» tree →
2. Always, or all the time (in phrases): ever since, for ever, ever after. tree →
3. Used to make words stronger: the best day ever, ever so kind (UK). tree →
4. Than ever means more than at any time before, and as ever means just as always. tree →

In the lessons

In stories: «happily ever after» ends fairy tales. In everyday talk: questions with «Have you ever…?» ask about experiences. In maths: «the biggest ever» means more than any before it. Phrases: ever since, for ever / forever, ever after, the best ever, hardly ever, ever so, whatever, whenever.

Examples

• Have you ever been to the seaside? tree →
• This is the best birthday ever! tree →
• They lived happily ever after. tree →
• I have lived here ever since I was a baby. tree →
• We hardly ever eat sweets. tree →
• Thank you ever so much (UK). tree →
• Nobody ever told me that. tree →
• Is it ever safe to swim alone? No. tree →
• Marusia returned home sadder than ever. tree →

Note

Used mostly in questions, after «not/never/hardly», and with comparatives and superlatives (the tallest ever). «Hardly ever» = almost never. Do not confuse «ever» (at any time) with «every» (each one). «Forever» can be one word (US) or «for ever» (UK).

In Jewish tradition

"For ever" means without end, and "for ever and ever" stresses it, often of God's rule or of lasting laws. In the primary lessons: In stories: «happily ever after» ends fairy tales. In everyday talk: questions with «Have you ever…?» ask about experiences. In maths: «the biggest ever» means more than any before it. Phrases: ever since, for ever / forever, ever after, the best ever, hardly ever, ever so, whatever, whenever.

Examples

• The LORD shall reign for ever and ever. (Torah EXO.15.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• It is a due for ever throughout their generations. (Torah LEV.7.36, JPS 1917) tree →
• This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations. (Torah LEV.17.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Will He bear grudge for ever? (Prophets JER.3.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Arouse Thyself, cast not off for ever. (Writings PSA.44.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• Is His mercy clean gone for ever? (Writings PSA.77.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Used mostly in questions, after «not/never/hardly», and with comparatives and superlatives (the tallest ever). «Hardly ever» = almost never. Do not confuse «ever» (at any time) with «every» (each one). «Forever» can be one word (US) or «for ever» (UK).