always

Every time something happens, or at all times.

• I always eat breakfast.
• She has always enjoyed drawing.
• Do you always lock the door?

How to use it: always + main verb (She always takes the bus.); be + always (He is always friendly.)

Similar words: invariably, every time

Opposites: never

Common phrases: always late, always remember, almost always, always on time

For all future time, without ending.

• I will always love you.
• This place will always be special to us.
• She promised that they would always remain friends.

Similar words: forever, ever

Opposites: never

Common phrases: always love someone, always remember someone, always be there

Used to suggest something that is possible if needed or if other plans fail.

• You can always ask me.
• If the bus is full, we can always walk.
• We could always try again tomorrow.

How to use it: can/could always + verb (We could always borrow a tent.)

Similar words: anyhow, anyway, regardless, algate

Common phrases: can always ask, could always try, can always go