always
/ˈɔlweɪz/
Reviewed on
Type
Adverb
Meaning
At all times, or every time.
She always walks to work when the weather is nice.
For all time in the past or future; forever.
I've always wanted to visit Hawaii.
Used with a continuous verb to show that something happens often and is annoying.
He's always leaving his dirty socks on the floor!
Used to suggest another possible choice.
If you don't like it, you can always return it.
How it's used
When this means “goes before the main verb but after 'be' and helping verbs”
- always + main verb / be + always
I always drink coffee. / She is always on time.
When this means “complains about a habit”
- be always + -ing
They're always arguing about money.
When this means “suggests an option”
- can/could always + verb
We could always take a taxi.
Collocations
- almost always
- not always
- as always
- have always wanted
- will always remember
Synonyms
- every time
- constantly
- forever
- all the time
Antonyms
- never
- sometimes