B1adverb2K

Forever

UK /["/fərˈevə(r)/"]/US /["/fərˈevər/"]/

Definition

used to say that a particular situation or state will always exist

In simple words: For all time; always.

Examples

  • I'll love you forever!
  • After her death, their lives changed forever.
  • Just keep telling yourself that it won't **last forever**.
  • The local dairy industry will soon be lost forever.
  • The final death toll may forever remain a mystery.
  • It takes her forever to get dressed.
  • Where have you been? I've been waiting forever!
  • She's forever going on about how poor they are.

Usage notes

Use 'forever' in both spoken and written English. It's good for expressing an endless duration. It's less common in very formal writing. Avoid using it when discussing specific time periods.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'for-ever' as in 'for an everlasting time'.

Collocations

  • love you forever
  • live forever
  • wait forever
  • believe forever

Synonyms

  • eternally
  • always
  • endlessly
  • perpetually
  • constantly

Antonyms

  • temporary
  • brief
  • fleeting

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'forever' with 'eternally' — they have different connotations.
  • Using 'forever' in negative sentences incorrectly (e.g., 'I will never love you forever').
  • Mixing it up with 'for ever' — the form without the space is more common in American English.