like ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like ever" is informal and can be used in written English, particularly in casual contexts.
It is typically used to emphasize a point or express a strong opinion, often in conversations or social media posts. Example: "This is, like ever, the best pizza I've ever had!"

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

I know I absolutely cannot wear track pants, like, ever.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For a start, she says, she doesn't wear women's clothes, like, ever.

The Guardian - Music

No one can unfriend you, and Mark Zuckerberg won't know what and whom you like or don't like ever again.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I've never been to a party, like, ever.

Huffington Post

Until now, no animals this adorable had been seen, like, EVER.

Huffington Post

If an artist you like ever says a song was inspired by the book, add that song.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The friezes of fractal-like, ever skinnier symmetries vividly evoke all manner of exotic ornament: Persian carpets, Mexican serapes, Art Nouveau.

The New Yorker

Every once in a while a disarming provincialism like "ever-lovin' blue-eyed world" pops out.

The New York Times

Flights of stairs like Everest.

The New York Times

Like Everest, its phenomenality lies in its scale.

The New York Times - Arts

Elbrus is, FYI, the tallest mountain in Europe – a bit like Everest, but rubbish.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, replace "like ever" with more precise and professional alternatives such as "always", "forever", or "constantly", depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "like ever" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Its casual tone can undermine the credibility and professionalism of your work. Opt for more appropriate and formal alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like ever" functions as an intensifier, adding emphasis or surprise to a statement. Based on Ludwig AI analysis, it's frequently used in informal contexts to express a strong feeling or opinion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like ever" is a common phrase used as an intensifier in informal contexts to add emphasis or express strong feelings. While not grammatically incorrect, its use should be reserved for casual communication and avoided in formal writing. Alternatives such as "always", "forever", or "constantly" can be used in more professional settings. According to Ludwig AI analysis, the phrase is commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating its prevalence in general online content. Ludwig AI has identified authoritative sources such as The Guardian, Huffington Post, and The New York Times as frequent users of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as always

This alternative conveys a sense of something happening consistently or predictably, similar to the continuous aspect sometimes implied by "like ever".

always

This shortened alternative lacks the intensifier of "like" but maintain similar function to show frequency or duration of event.

constantly

Similar to "always", this denotes a high frequency of occurrence, but it's more emphatic.

ever since

This alternative emphasizes the time aspect, indicating a continuous state from a certain point onwards.

forever

This denotes an indefinite duration into the future, aligning with the idea of something lasting indefinitely.

for good

This suggests a permanent change or decision, indicating something is done or stopped permanently.

perpetually

This is more formal alternative that emphasizes the ceaseless or continuous nature of something.

incessantly

Like perpetually, this also presents a more formal alternative that refers to something continuing without interruption.

time and again

This expresses the repetitive nature of an event, emphasizing its frequent recurrence.

repeatedly

Another way to convey something happening multiple times, underlining the iterative quality.

FAQs

Is "like ever" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in informal speech and writing, "like ever" might not be considered grammatically correct in formal contexts. It's best to reserve it for casual communication.

What does "like ever" mean?

The phrase "like ever" is an intensifier used to emphasize a statement, similar to saying "really" or "absolutely". It often implies a sense of surprise or disbelief.

What are some alternatives to "like ever"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "always", "forever", "constantly", or "as always". Choose the alternative that best fits the meaning you want to convey.

When should I avoid using "like ever"?

Avoid using "like ever" in formal writing, professional emails, or academic papers. It's more suitable for casual conversations, social media posts, and informal settings.