have ever read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have ever read" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in questions or negative statements to refer to any time in the past up to the present. Example: "Have you ever read that book?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Best darn article I have ever read.

The New York Times

I guess every writer that I have ever read.

The Guardian - Books

Possibly the most boring book I have ever read.

The Guardian - Books

One of the most moving books I have ever read.

The Guardian - Books

It is the best book I have ever read!

The Guardian

Mr. Lizza, your article is one of the best researched pieces I have ever read.

The New Yorker

"Joe Gould's Secret" is the best story many people have ever read.

The New Yorker

Within that possibility is the most perverse fantasy I have ever read.

The New Yorker

Here's the stupidest comment I have ever read about nuclear power.

The Guardian

This is the most thoroughgoing feminist novel I have ever read.

The New Yorker

Ferrante's Neapolitan series contains the most thoroughgoing feminist novels I have ever read.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have ever read" in a question, ensure the context is open-ended regarding the time frame: "Have you "have ever read" this author before?"

Common error

Avoid using "have ever read" with specific timeframes. Instead of "I have ever read that book last year", use "I read that book last year".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have ever read" functions as a present perfect construction used to inquire or state whether the action of reading has occurred at any time in the past. Ludwig examples show its use in expressing opinions about books, articles, and experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have ever read" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to inquire about or express past reading experiences. According to Ludwig, the phrase typically appears in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, remember to avoid specific timeframes and consider using alternatives like "have read before" when appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules, making it a reliable choice for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have read before

Focuses on the action of reading happening at least once in the past, but doesn't emphasize the 'ever' aspect, simply expresses it has occurred before.

have read in the past

Highlights that the reading occurred at some point in the past, without necessarily implying a comparison to other reading experiences.

have, at any time, read

Emphasizes that the reading has occurred at least once, at any point in the past.

have already read

Indicates that the reading has been completed at some point before the present.

have previously read

Similar to 'have read before', but with a slightly more formal tone.

have read sometime

Indicates that the reading has been completed in the past but not specific about when.

have once read

Highlights that the reading experience was a one-time occurrence.

have perused

Implies a more casual or less thorough reading experience.

have gone through

Similar to 'have perused', but indicates that the content may not have necessarily been fully absorbed.

have leafed through

Indicates that the text was only glanced at and not read in detail.

FAQs

How can I use "have ever read" in a sentence?

You can use "have ever read" to describe a past reading experience, often to emphasize a comparison or express a superlative, such as "This is the most thoroughgoing feminist novel I "have ever read"".

What's the difference between "have ever read" and "have already read"?

"Have ever read" implies any time in the past, whereas "have already read" suggests the reading is completed before a specific time or event. For example, "I have ever read that author" versus "I "have already read" that book, so I know the ending".

What are some alternatives to "have ever read"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "have read before", "have previously read", or "have read in the past".

Is it correct to say "I never have ever read"?

Saying "I never have ever read" is grammatically incorrect and redundant. Instead, use "I have never read" or "I haven't ever read". The "never" already implies a negative experience at any time in the past.