forever
A thing or a situation that is forever, never ends. This word is often used when talking about space (distance) and time.
- It took forever to get through security at the airport.
- A well-maintained car will last forever.
- They have lived in that house forever.
- If the universe is infinite, it goes on forever.
- It goes on forever and ever.
It’s important to know that the word “forever” is often used as a form of exaggeration for a situation. It’s not to be taken literally.
Forever is a very long time.
a. There is more than one way to use "forever."
The word “forever” is usually an adverb, but it can be used as a noun or as an adjective.
- We waited forever for the train to arrive. (In this sentence, “forever” is an adverb for the verb “waited.”)
- It took forever. (adverb)
- Forever is a very long time. (noun)
- Forever is a very long time to wait. (noun)
- This is forever. (adjective)
- It’s time to end the forever wars. (adjective – Wars in Afghanistan and the middle east are sometime referred to as “forever wars” because they never seem to end.)
b. Use "forever" as an adverb.
In these sentences, “forever” modifies a verb.
- This is taking forever. (The main verb “take” is modified by “forever.”)
- It took forever for our package to arrive in the mail.
- A machine can last forever if it is properly maintained.
- Martina can go on forever about her interest in butterflies. (This means that she can talk a very long time about a subject that interests her.)
- I’ve known her forever.
- They’ve been friends forever.
The verbs “take,” “last, and “go” are often used with forever.
- He has been at this school forever.
This means that he has worked at the school for a very long time.
He can sit there and wait forever for an opportunity to strike.
A person or thing that waits forever is very patient.
c. The word "forever" is a part of these expressions.
Do you recognize any of these expressions?
- She’s forever young. (She’s a person who has a youthful appearance or attitude.)
- I am forever in your debt. (I will always be grateful to you for your service or your generosity.)
- The lived happily forever after. (Many stories, or fairy tales, end with this line. The lived the rest of their days in happiness.)
- I’ll love you forever and ever. (forever and ever = for a very, very long time.)
- After they got married, they lived happily forever after.
You can also say, “happily ever after” is that’s easier.
- A person can feel forever young while riding on a bike.