Meaning & use
always
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Meanings
adverb
At all times; on every occasion, without exception.
Grammar: Usually comes before the main verb but after 'be' verbs: She always arrives early. She is always early.
Patterns
- always + verb
- be + always + adjective
She always arrives early for meetings.
He is always happy to help.
They always go to the same restaurant on Fridays.
adverb
As a last resort; if everything else fails.
Grammar: Used to suggest an alternative that is available if needed.
Patterns
- can always + verb
If you miss the bus, you can always take a taxi.
Don't worry about dinner; we can always order a pizza.
Common combinations
- always be there
- I will always be there for you.
- always remember
- Always remember to lock the door.
- almost always
- He is almost always late.
- always on time
- She is always on time for appointments.
- as always
- As always, he brought a gift.
Synonyms and how they differ
- constantly
- Suggests something happens continuously or repeatedly, often in an annoying way, while 'always' is neutral.
- forever
- Means for all time, often with a stronger sense of eternity than 'always'.
- invariably
- More formal and means in every case, but it is less common in everyday speech.
Opposites
Commonly confused: always or all ways?
always vs all ways
This phrase means 'every method' or 'every direction', not 'at all times'. For example, 'We tried all ways to solve it.'
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
'Always' usually comes after the verb 'be', so 'She is always late' is correct. The other options place 'always' incorrectly.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “always”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.