Learn English – “Always” vs. “forever”

adverbsdifferencesmeaning

What is the difference between always and forever? Are they synonyms used in different contexts or can they be used interchangeably?

Best Answer

In some contexts they mean the same, but differ syntactically...

I will always love you. I will love you forever. /not/ ?I will forever love you. 1

In other contexts there's a difference in that always usually means continuously, at all [relevant] times, whereas forever usually means for an infinite amount of time into the future. Thus...

He always catches the bus at 8am. /not/ *He forever catches the bus at 8am.

The universe may not last forever. /not/ ?The universe may not last always.

...where some people may find that last construction more acceptable than others.

Here's a useful summary of usages for always, only one or two of which overlap with forever.

1: The song I Will Forever Love You does exist, but it's nowhere near as well-known as I Will Always Love You, written and first recorded by Dolly Parton, massively popularised by the late Whitney Houston.