Professional Documents
Culture Documents
We 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:
She’s always complaining about her job. Why doesn’t she get a new one?
Teenagers were always causing trouble at the shopping centre, stealing things, breaking
windows, that sort of thing.
The kids are always asking for sweets, but they’re not good for them.
Always: position
We 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:
He always wears a hat. (between subject and main verb)
I’ve always wanted an open-top sports car. (after first auxiliary verb)
I envy you. You’ll always be happy! (after the modal verb)
She’s always late for class. (after main verb be)
We don’t use always at the beginning of a statement or question:
She always cooks wonderful meals.
Not: Always she cooks wonderful meals.
Do you always go camping for your summer holidays?
Not: Always do you go camping …
See also:
Adverbs
Commands
Always often comes first in a command (imperative):
Always keep your PIN number in a safe place and do not give it to anyone else.
Always arrive early for a job interview.
See also:
Commands and instructions
Clauses
Always with can and could
We often use always with can and could to talk about possible solutions to problems:
If the hotels are all full, you can always stay with us.
If I needed it, I could always borrow money from my father.
As always
We use as always to talk about one event which is seen as typical:
As always, she made us feel very welcome in her home.
[at the end of an email, thanking someone for a visit]
It was nice, as always, to see you last week.