What is always? Pronunciation and usage in English

always means . Learn how to pronounce and use always through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of always

alwaysadverb

/ˈɔːlweɪz/
Definition & pronunciation of always

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "always" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners!

Here's the standard pronunciation, broken down into syllables and with explanations:

1. Syllables: "Al-ways" (two syllables)

2. Breakdown:

  • "Al": Pronounced like the "al" in "alarm" - a short, quick "ah" sound. It's relatively neutral.
  • "Ways": This is where most people stumble. It’s not like "waze" (the navigation app). It sounds like "wayz."
    • "Way": Pronounced like the "way" in "way out" - a short, quick "ai" sound, similar to the "ay" in "day." Think of it as a fast "eye" sound.
    • "z": This is a tricky part. It's a voiced "z" sound. This means your vocal cords vibrate while you say it. The best way to do this is to try to make the "z" sound as if you were saying "see" and then lightly vibrate your throat. It's not a hard "z" like in "zebra."

3. Combined Sound: When you put it together, you get “Al-wayz.”

4. Listen to Examples: This is REALLY important. Hearing it is the key to getting it right.

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/always/ (This website has native speakers pronounce the word)
  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce always" on YouTube - you'll find many videos.

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "z": It's a subtle sound. It's more of a quick "ai" followed by vibration.
  • Practice slowly: Start by saying each syllable slowly and clearly.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "always" and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word always in English

Let's break down how to use "always" effectively in English. It's a common word, but it's often misused! Here's a detailed guide:

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

  • Meaning: "Always" means something happens repeatedly, constantly, or without exception. It expresses a habitual action or a general truth.
  • Structure: It typically comes before the action or state you're describing.

2. Common Sentence Structures:

  • Habitual Actions: "I always brush my teeth before bed." (This is a regular, repeated action.)
  • General Truths: “The sun always rises in the east.” (This is a universal, unchanging fact.)
  • Predictable Behavior: “He always arrives late.” (He consistently misses the schedule.)
  • Expressing a Strong Opinion/Feeling: “I always think that’s a good idea.” (You hold this view regularly.)

3. Important Nuances & How to Avoid Common Mistakes:

  • Don't Overuse It: “Always” can sound extreme and dramatic if you use it too frequently. Consider if a less absolute word like “often,” "usually," "frequently," or "regularly" would be more appropriate.

  • It Doesn't Imply Perfection: Saying "I always do the dishes" doesn’t mean you never forget. It means you do them most of the time.

  • With Negative Statements: "I never always finish my homework." (This is grammatically incorrect and sounds awkward.)

    • Correct: "I never finish my homework always." (This is extremely rare and sounds unnatural.)
    • Better: “I never finish my homework every time.” Or, “I usually finish my homework.”

  • With Adjectives & Adverbs: You usually don't use "always" with adjectives or adverbs.

    • Incorrect: “He is always happy.”
    • Correct: “He is happy.” (Or, “He is generally happy.”) You can describe how he is happy (e.g., "He is consistently happy.")

4. Alternatives to "Always":

Here's a list of words that can often replace "always" to express similar ideas with varying degrees of intensity:

  • Frequently: Happens often.
  • Regularly: Happens at set times or according to a pattern.
  • Usually: Happens most of the time.
  • Often: Happens a good deal of the time.
  • Generally: Happens in most cases.
  • Constantly: Happens without stopping. (Stronger than "always")
  • Perpetually: Lasting forever; constantly. (Very strong, often used figuratively)

5. Examples Demonstrating the Difference:

Sentence Using "Always" Better Alternative
She eats breakfast every day. “She always eats breakfast.” “She usually eats breakfast.”
He helps his mother. “He always helps his mother.” “He often helps his mother.”
The weather is warm. “The weather is always warm.” “The weather is usually warm.”

6. "Always" in Questions & Negatives:

  • Questions: “Do you always eat pizza?”
  • Negatives: “I don’t always agree with him.” (Notice the use of “don’t” and the surrounding structure—it’s not simply “I never always…”).

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "always" in? (e.g., describing your habits, making a general statement, responding to a question?)
  • Could you share an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word always

Idioms of the word always

as always
as usually happens or is expected
  • As always, Polly was late for school.
once a…, always a…
used to say that somebody cannot change
  • Once an actor, always an actor.

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