Always is an adverb meaning at all times; on every occasion; for ever; or whatever happens. Example: She always checks her spelling before submitting her work.
What Does Always Mean?
Always comes from Old English ealne weg, literally meaning "all the way" or "the whole way". By Middle English this had contracted to alwei, and the modern spelling settled in the 15th century. It shares its root with the Old English adjective eall (all) — the same root that gives us altogether and already.
In modern British English, always is a high-frequency adverb used in four main ways. First, to describe a habitual action that happens every time without exception: He always brushes his teeth after breakfast. Second, to describe a permanent state or situation: Paris has always been a centre of art and culture. Third, to express certainty about the future: I will always support you. Fourth, as a polite way to suggest a fallback plan: If the train is cancelled, we can always take a taxi.
Understanding where to place always in a sentence is essential. The general rule is: place it before the main verb, but after the verb to be. With compound tenses and modal verbs, it sits between the auxiliary and the main verb.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level & usage note |
|---|---|
| My dog always wants to play after dinner. | A2 — habitual present simple |
| She always checks her spelling before submitting her work. | B1 — good habit; always before main verb |
| The instructions are always written in very small print. | B1 — passive; always after auxiliary "are" |
| The coastal town has always relied on fishing as its main industry. | B2 — present perfect; always between auxiliary and main verb |
| Whatever the outcome of the negotiations, the underlying tensions will always resurface unless the root causes are addressed. | C1 — complex clause; emphatic, formal register |
Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| almost always | She is almost always the first to arrive. |
| not always | Hard work does not always guarantee success. |
| always remember | I will always remember the day we first met. |
| have always wanted | He has always wanted to visit Japan. |
| always been | She has always been passionate about literature. |
| always welcome | You are always welcome to drop by. |
| always a pleasure | It is always a pleasure to work with you. |
| always ready | The team is always ready for a challenge. |
| always available | Customer support is always available online. |
| can always | If you are unsure, you can always ask your teacher. |
Usage Notes
Key Grammar Points
- Before the main verb: She always reads the instructions carefully.
- After the verb "to be": He is always late on Mondays.
- Between auxiliary and main verb: They have always lived in this village. / She will always be my hero.
- Always + present continuous = annoying habit: He is always leaving the lights on! (implies mild irritation or surprise)
- Fallback use: We can always postpone the meeting. (softens a suggestion)
- Formal writing: always can typically be replaced by invariably or at all times for a more formal register.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
I am always agree with my teacher.
I always agree with my teacher. (always goes before ordinary verbs, not after "am")
She puts always her phone away before class.
She always puts her phone away before class. (always precedes the full verb phrase)
He is always work late on Fridays.
He always works late on Fridays. (simple present, not "is + always + base verb")