Never = certainly not
Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 4:24 pm
The following point arose on another discussion forum, and I would be interested in any opinions about it.
The basic meaning of 'never' is 'not at any time'. However, it is often colloquially used simply as an emphatic negative with reference to a single event. For example:
"I never heard you come in just now."
"You never mentioned that when I asked you the first time."
"You lied to me!" "No, I never!"
"That's never a fox!" [= that's certainly not a fox]
There seem to be divided opinions as to whether this usage is standard English or slang. Some people even call it ungrammatical, but I disagree.
The thought behind this use of 'never' seems to be something like "I will never admit that...." or "there can never be any possibility that...."
Any views as to whether this is good English?
The basic meaning of 'never' is 'not at any time'. However, it is often colloquially used simply as an emphatic negative with reference to a single event. For example:
"I never heard you come in just now."
"You never mentioned that when I asked you the first time."
"You lied to me!" "No, I never!"
"That's never a fox!" [= that's certainly not a fox]
There seem to be divided opinions as to whether this usage is standard English or slang. Some people even call it ungrammatical, but I disagree.
The thought behind this use of 'never' seems to be something like "I will never admit that...." or "there can never be any possibility that...."
Any views as to whether this is good English?