not ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not ever" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something has not happened at any time. Example: I have not ever been to India.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Not ever".

The New York Times

"Not now, not ever".

The New York Times

Now not ever.

The New Yorker

Not ever now".

The New Yorker

Not ever again.

The New York Times

Perhaps not ever.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It's not Everest.

BBC

"Don't ever start".

The New Yorker

We can't ever know.

The New York Times

"He wasn't ever drinking.

The New York Times - Sports

That won't ever change.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not ever" to add emphasis to a negative statement, indicating that something has not and will not happen at any point.

Common error

While "not ever" is grammatically correct, it can sound informal in certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using "never" or "at no time" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not ever" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate negation over a period of time. It emphasizes that an action or event has not occurred at any point. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not ever" is a grammatically correct way to express that something has not happened at any time, as validated by Ludwig AI. While it is considered acceptable in written English, it leans towards a neutral to informal register, making it suitable for news articles, blogs, and general conversation. For formal writing, consider using "never" or "at no time" for a more polished tone. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, and its purpose is to convey a strong negative assertion. Remember to use "not ever" to add emphasis to your sentences, but be mindful of the context to maintain the appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never

A direct synonym, indicating that something will not happen at any time.

not at all

Emphasizes a complete lack of something, which can be similar to something not happening ever.

under no circumstances

Highlights the conditions under which something will not occur, providing a stronger emphasis.

by no means

Indicates something is certainly not the case, aligning with the definitive nature of "not ever".

in no way

Similar to "by no means", it asserts that something is impossible or will not happen.

absolutely not

An emphatic denial, suggesting something will definitely not occur, not even once.

not in any way

Emphasizes that something will not happen through any means or method.

on no occasion

Stresses that something has not happened and will not happen at any time.

at no time

Specifies that something does not occur during any point in time.

not once

Highlights that something has not happened even a single time.

FAQs

How can I use "not ever" in a sentence?

You can use "not ever" to emphasize that something has not happened at any time and will not happen in the future. For example, "I have "not ever" been to Japan".

What is a more formal alternative to "not ever"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer using "never" or "at no time" as alternatives to "not ever". These options often sound more polished and professional.

Is it correct to say "not ever" or should I always use "never"?

Both "not ever" and "never" are grammatically correct, but "never" is generally more concise and widely accepted in formal writing. "Not ever" adds emphasis but can sound less formal.

What's the difference between "not ever" and "not once"?

"Not ever" implies something has not happened at any time, while "not once" specifically emphasizes that something has not occurred even a single time. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.