ever

At any time in the past, present, or future.

• Have you ever been here?
• It was the best meal I had ever eaten.
• If you ever need help, just ask.

How to use it: have/has + subject + ever + past participle? (Have you ever ridden a horse?); if someone ever + verb (If you ever visit, call me.)

Similar words: at any time

Common phrases: ever been, ever since, hardly ever

All the time, especially while something keeps changing or continuing.

• The city is ever growing.
• They faced an ever-increasing demand for water.
• The threat of flooding remained ever present.

Similar words: constantly, continually, always

Common phrases: ever increasing, ever changing, ever present

Always, or for all time.

• They lived happily ever after.
• I will remember you for ever.
• Her kindness will stay with us forever and ever.

Similar words: always, forever

Opposites: never

Common phrases: for ever, forever and ever, ever after

Used after a question word to express strong surprise or confusion.

• Why ever did you do that?
• How ever did you find us here?
• Who ever told you such a strange story?

How to use it: question word + ever (Why ever did you leave so early?)

Similar words: on earth

Common phrases: why ever, how ever, what ever