would ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would ever" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in conditional sentences or to express hypothetical situations regarding the future or past. Example: "I never thought I would ever see such a beautiful sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nobody would ever come".

The New York Times

"Nobody would ever know".

The New York Times

Who would ever guess?

The New York Times

Nobody would ever do that.

The New Yorker

Not that she would ever say so.

The New York Times - Arts

"None of that would ever happen here".

The New York Times

No client would ever be that angry.

The New York Times

"Who would ever move into Albert Square?

Independent

Or indeed, whether she would ever accept.

Independent

No knife-lover would ever deny that.

The New York Times

Nothing would ever be the same.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would ever", consider the context's tone. It's effective for expressing disbelief or doubt but can sound overly dramatic in neutral situations.

Common error

Avoid using "would ever" in simple affirmative statements where it's unnecessary. For example, instead of saying 'He "would ever" go there', it's better to say 'He would go there' or 'He might go there' if possibility is important, to avoid sounding unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would ever" primarily functions as a modal auxiliary construction. It modifies the verb that follows, typically to express possibility, doubt, disbelief, or a hypothetical situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used in negative or interrogative sentences to emphasize a lack of expectation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would ever" is a versatile modal phrase primarily used to express disbelief, surprise, or the unlikelihood of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While suitable for various situations, it's important to consider the tone and avoid overuse in simple affirmative statements to maintain naturalness. Exploring alternatives like "could possibly" or "might conceivably" can provide nuanced expressions. Ultimately, understanding its function allows for effective communication, especially when conveying skepticism or rhetorical emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could possibly

Emphasizes a lower probability or possibility compared to "would ever".

might conceivably

Suggests a more remote or unlikely possibility.

has any chance of

Focuses on the existence of a possibility, however small.

is at all likely to

Replaces the modal verb construction with a more explicit likelihood assessment.

is apt to

Implies a natural or habitual tendency.

is prone to

Indicates a tendency or inclination towards something happening.

is inclined to

Similar to 'is prone to', but suggests a weaker tendency.

is liable to

Suggests a risk or potential for something undesirable to happen.

is expected to

Similar to 'is anticipated to', but implies a stronger degree of certainty.

is anticipated to

Highlights an expectation or prediction about a future event.

FAQs

How can I use "would ever" in a sentence to express disbelief?

To express disbelief, you can use "would ever" in questions or negative statements. For example, "Who "would ever think" such a thing?" or "I never thought that "I would ever see" the day".

What phrases can I use instead of "would ever" to express possibility?

Alternatives to express possibility include phrases like "could possibly", "might conceivably", or "is at all likely to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "would ever" in affirmative statements?

While grammatically correct, using "would ever" in simple affirmative statements can sound unnatural or overly emphatic. It's generally better to use simpler phrasing like "would" or "might" unless you specifically want to convey disbelief or surprise.

What's the difference between "would ever" and "would always"?

"Would ever" implies a possibility or contingency, often expressing surprise or doubt. In contrast, "would always" indicates a consistent or habitual action or state. For example, "I never thought I "would ever" see such a sight" versus "She would always help others".