Meaning of “always” in the English Dictionary

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"always" in English

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alwaysadverb

uk ​ /ˈɔːl.weɪz/ us ​ /ˈɑːl.weɪz/

Grammar

AlwaysAlways is an adverb. …
Always: meaningAlways can mean ‘on every occasion’, ‘forever’ or ‘very frequently’. In these meanings we use it with simple tense forms: …
Always with continuous verb formsWe can use always with continuous verb forms to refer to regular events or states, especially ones which are problematic or which we do not like or want: …
Always: positionWe most commonly use always in mid position, between the subject and main verb, after the modal verb or first auxiliary verb, or after main verb be: …
Always with can and couldWe often use always with can and could to talk about possible solutions to problems: …
As alwaysWe use as always to talk about one event which is seen as typical: …
Always, for good or for ever?When we talk about things which will be permanent, we normally use for good, or, more formally, for ever (sometimes written as forever). We do not normally say for always: …
Always or all the time?All the time also means ‘very often’ or ‘continually’ and is commonly used to refer to things that people do not like or do not want to happen. We don’t use all the time in mid position: …

(Definition of “always” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

"always" in American English

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alwaysadverb [ not gradable ]

us ​ /ˈɔl·weɪz, -wiz/

› every time, all the time, or forever:

He always enjoyed having dinner with friends.
You always try to do your best.
I’ll always remember her.
She’s always (= very often) late.

› Always is sometimes used after can or could to suggest another possibility:

If you don’t like what’s on TV, you can always change the channel.

(Definition of “always” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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