Never or not … ever?
We can use not … ever instead of never, but never is much more common: She has never been a friend of ours. (or, less common, She hasn’teverbeen a friend of ours.)
Never forget where you came from, your family, your childhood friends. (or, less common, Don’teverforget where you came from …)
A:
Why don’t you go to college and get a degree?
B:
I haven’treallyeverthought about it. I’m too old now anyway. (or, more common, I’veneverreally thought about it.)
Warning:
We don’t use not … ever at the beginning of a statement (in front position): Never had they seen so many strangers in their village all at the same time.
Not: Not ever had they seen so many strangers …
|