always
adverb
UK/ˈɔːl.weɪz/US/ˈɔl.weɪz/
at all times; on every occasion
Example Sentences
She always wakes up at six in the morning.
I will always remember the advice you gave me.
They always keep the garden tidy and well-maintained.
We always plan our vacations months in advance.
He has always supported charitable causes in his community.
My parents always encourage me to try new experiences.
The dog’s unconditional loyalty never wavers, as it is always eagerly waiting at the door for its owner’s return.
Even though I faced many challenges, I always kept a positive attitude, which helped me overcome obstacles and grow stronger.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Highlights continuity or perpetual presence in any situation or context.This adverb is employed to emphasize that something remains true at every point in time. It frequently accompanies verbs to show habitual or unchanging actions, such as “I always wake up early.” It can also modify entire statements to express consistent circumstances, for example, “They always support each other, no matter what.” Positioning in a sentence is flexible, but it most often appears before the main verb or following auxiliary verbs. Using it judiciously can help avoid unnecessary repetition or exaggeration. In more formal or technical contexts, one might substitute similar terms if clarity and variety are essential. However, in everyday speech and writing, this term reliably conveys a sense of permanence or continuity about an action or condition.
Alternatives
When seeking alternatives that convey the same sense of ongoing or uninterrupted action, consider using expressions like “constantly,” “perpetually,” “invariably,” or “without fail.” Each of these options maintains the notion of unbroken continuity but can be strategically employed to bring variety to your sentences. For instance, “constantly” underscores regular occurrence, while “perpetually” can suggest a sense of unending time. “Invariably” often implies that no exception to the stated condition exists, thus stressing its absolute certainty. Meanwhile, “without fail” provides a slightly more idiomatic flavor, useful for more casual or conversational contexts. Mixing these synonyms allows you to keep your audience engaged and prevent repetitive phrasing. Remember, the key is selecting the term that best aligns with the tone, style, and intent of your communication.
Writing
When writing in a formal, academic, or professional setting, consider how often you employ this adverb to maintain clarity and conciseness. Overuse can dilute its impact, making everything sound uniformly unchanging or inevitable. To keep your text engaging, alternate with synonyms such as “continuously,” “consistently,” or “invariably” where suitable. This variety ensures that the emphasis on permanence remains strong without overpowering the core message. Additionally, pay attention to sentence structure, placing the adverb in a position that naturally supports your main point. If you need to highlight an unwavering principle, use it with precision and intent. Ultimately, thoughtful use of this term can underscore steadfast facts or behaviors, creating a compelling, reliable tone in any piece of writing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, using this adverb is a simple way to emphasize that something happens all the time. Phrases like “I always have coffee in the morning” or “They always make me laugh” underscore habits and routines that define one’s day-to-day life. This word is natural and flexible enough to fit into various casual settings, whether you’re chatting with friends, texting, or sharing anecdotes about your routine. However, sprinkling in alternative expressions such as “all the time” or “without fail” can help diversify your speech. Doing so keeps your stories or comments fresh and engaging, while still driving home the message that a certain event or behavior persists on every occasion. Used thoughtfully, it shapes a friendly, familiar tone in relaxed discussions.
Etymology
The term traces its origins to Middle English and Old English, derived from phrases that combined “all” with “way” or “ways,” signifying “at every point” or “through every course.” Over centuries, the spelling and form gradually morphed into the single word we know today. This evolution reflects the concept’s longevity and its fundamental role in language, capturing the idea of permanence and unbroken continuity. By representing an action or condition that never ceases, the word became a linguistic mainstay to describe unfailing regularity. Interestingly, its consistent usage across texts and eras highlights how humans have long valued the expression of reliability or ongoing duration. Whether in everyday exchanges or in literary works, this adverb has remained a steadfast symbol of unchanging constancy.