. Hello Peggy: Ever is often used in contrast with Never. "I never shop at XXX Grocery Store." I can say the same or equivalent, by writing. "I do not shop at XXX Grocery Store, ever!" But "ever" used that way, is awkward. In spoken dialogue, it words though, but as a written expression, it is not common. "Ever" is used more frequently in Questions, like this: "Will you ever come to see me? "Will we ever go dancing together again?" "Will you ever contact me on italki again, and help me when I need it?" "Will anyone on italki ever answer my questions, if I post them?" "Will I ever get a good job? "Will I ever get a good education?" "Will the war ever stop?" "Will the killings of children ever stop?" "Will he ever ask me to marry him?" "Will it ever stop raining?" "Will anyone ever do anything about it?" ---Warm Regards, Bruce

Ever is typically used in asking questions. For example: Have you ever drove a car? The purpose of the word 'ever' in this sentence is to imply 'ever in your life'. It is equivalent to saying: Have you ever in your life drove a car? Or, Have you drove a car before? You may be wondering why you don't just ask: "Have you drove a car?" Logically, this should be equivalent, however, it is just not used. People will shorten the above example in informal speech: Have you drove a car? = Ever drove a car? Ever is also used at the end of a sentence. For example: "Don't do that ever." It is the same as saying: "Never do that." This is also informal. You can not say: "Do that ever". You can say: "Do that forever".

If you notice it being used a lot, then make a note of the times you hear it said. Then you can study the notes and you will understand EXACTLY how to use it. You won't learn it from any of the answers given here!