always
always — adverb
1. on each occasion, or during the whole time being talked about.
on each occasion, or during the whole time being talked about.
Nina always locks the back door before she goes to bed.
always + main verb in a habit
The upstairs hall is always dark after the children sleep.
be always + adjective
On market days, the village square is always full by noon.
My phone always rings during dinner when Aunt May calls.
The baby always smiles at the fish tank lights.
- every time
emphasizes separate occasions more clearly
- constantly
stronger when something seems to have no break
- invariably
more formal and stresses no exceptions
文法句型
always + main verb
be always + adjective
always + verb + time phrase
用法筆記
Usually comes before the main verb and after 'be'. Distinguish from sense 5 ANNOYINGLY OFTEN, which often uses the progressive and adds irritation.
常見錯誤
2. for the whole future, without ever ending.
for the whole future, without ever ending.
In her note, Eva wrote that she would love him always.
would + verb + always for lasting feeling
The names on the bridge will stay there always.
always at clause end
After that summer, Luca said he would remember the lake always.
Mara kept her mother's ring and promised to wear it always.
- forever
the usual everyday alternative
- eternally
more literary and stronger in tone
- permanently
focuses on lasting change rather than emotion
- temporarily
describes something that lasts only for a limited time
- for a while
suggests a period with an end
文法句型
will + always + verb
would + verb + always
verb + object + always
用法筆記
Often appears at the end of the clause, especially in emotional promises, memories, and formal-sounding statements. In ordinary conversation, 'forever' is often the more neutral alternative.
常見錯誤
3. from earlier in life up to now, with no break in between.
from earlier in life up to now, with no break in between.
My grandparents have always grown oranges behind the house.
have always + past participle
Rita has always wanted a red bicycle with a basket.
Since primary school, Ben has always trusted his art teacher.
I had always believed the old well was deeper.
Our street has always flooded after heavy summer rain.
- all along
often appears when looking back on a continuing fact
- for years
names a long period directly, but not every long period is still true now
- ever since
needs a starting point such as 'ever since high school'
文法句型
have always + past participle
has always + verb
had always + past participle
用法筆記
Common with the present perfect or past perfect when a feeling, belief, or situation began in the past and still matters at the time being described. Distinguish from sense 1 EVERY TIME, which can describe a regular habit without focusing on the past-to-now span.
常見錯誤
4. after can or could, used to offer a different action someone may take.
after can or could, used to offer a different action someone may take.
If the bus is late, we can always walk from the station.
can always + verb as backup plan
You could always ask Ms. Lin for a quieter desk.
could always + verb for suggestion
If tonight feels crowded, we can always meet tomorrow morning.
Leo could always send the file after soccer practice.
- instead
suggests a different choice, but sounds less reassuring
- alternatively
more formal and common in careful speech or writing
- as a backup
makes the plan-B idea very explicit
文法句型
can always + verb
could always + verb
if ..., can always ...
用法筆記
Usually follows can or could and introduces a practical backup plan, not a repeated action. The tone is often reassuring, helpful, or gently persuasive.
常見錯誤
5. used to say something happens so often that it bothers the speaker.
used to say something happens so often that it bothers the speaker.
Mr. Clark is always losing his glasses in the kitchen.
be always + -ing for annoyance
That printer is always jamming before our Monday staff meeting.
My little brother is always borrowing my charger without asking.
The upstairs tap was always dripping when I tried to sleep.
Why are you always leaving wet towels on the floor?
- constantly
can also show repeated action, but may sound less emotional
- forever
informal exaggeration often heard in complaints
- continually
more formal and not always negative
- occasionally
shows the action happens only from time to time
- once in a while
an informal way to say it happens only sometimes
文法句型
be always + -ing
always + happening
why are you always + -ing?
用法筆記
Common with the progressive, especially 'be always + -ing', when the speaker is irritated. Distinguish from sense 1 EVERY TIME, which is neutral and does not itself sound like a complaint.