never
uses
You use never to say that something did not, does not, or will not happen at any time.
She never asked him to lend her any money.
I will never give up.
Be careful
Don't use ‘do’ in front of never. Don't say, for example, ‘He does never write to me’. Say ‘He never writes to me’.
Don't use ‘do’ in front of never. Don't say, for example, ‘He does never write to me’. Say ‘He never writes to me’.
He never complains.
He never speaks to you, does he?
Be careful
You don't usually use another negative word with ‘never’. Don't say, for example, ‘I haven’t never been there' or ‘They never said nothing’. Say ‘I have never been there’ or ‘They never said anything’.
You don't usually use another negative word with ‘never’. Don't say, for example, ‘I haven’t never been there' or ‘They never said nothing’. Say ‘I have never been there’ or ‘They never said anything’.
It was an experience I will never forget.
I've never seen anything like it.
Be careful
Similarly, don't use ‘never’ if the subject of a clause is a negative word such as nothing or no one. Instead use ever. You say, for example, ‘Nothing will ever happen’. Don't say ‘Nothing will never happen’.
Similarly, don't use ‘never’ if the subject of a clause is a negative word such as nothing or no one. Instead use ever. You say, for example, ‘Nothing will ever happen’. Don't say ‘Nothing will never happen’.
Nothing ever changes.
No one will ever know.
position in clause
If you are not using an auxiliary verb or modal, you put never in front of the verb, unless the verb is be.
He never allowed himself to lose control.
They never take risks.
The road by the river was never quiet.
I have never known a year quite like this.
My husband says he will never retire.
He said he had never been arrested.
The answer to this question might never be known.
• If you are using an auxiliary verb on its own, you put never in front of it.
I do not want to marry you. I never did. I never will.
• In stories, never is sometimes put first for emphasis, followed by an auxiliary verb and the subject of the clause.
Never had Dixon been so glad to see Margaret.
Never had two hours gone so slowly.
‘never’ with an imperative
You can use never with an imperative instead of ‘do not’. You do this when you want to emphasize that something should not be done at any time.
Never attempt to do this without a safety net.
Never use your credit card as personal identification.