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You never know

UK //juː ˈnɛvə nəʊ// US //ju ˈnɛvər noʊ// Pronunciation

Definition

An expression denoting uncertainty about future events.

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In simple words: You can't be sure about something.

Examples

• You never know what opportunities might come your way.
• In life, you never know how things will turn out.
• You never know when you'll meet someone special.
• They say you never know until you try.
• You never know how a small act of kindness can change a life.

Usage notes

Used to express uncertainty or the unpredictability of life events. Common in casual and semi-formal conversation.

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Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Imagine playing a game where the outcome is always a surprise.

Collocations

• you never know what will happen
• you never know until you try
• you never know who you'll meet

Synonyms

• you can't be sure
• who knows
• it's uncertain
• anything can happen

Common mistakes

• Using it in formal writing where certainty is expected.
• Confusing it with 'you never know what to expect' which changes the meaning slightly.