Normally frequent habits use the Present Simple (I always walk to work). When we use always + Present Continuous, we express that something happens too often and annoys us. It can also show surprise or affection. Stress on “always” and tone of voice show the feeling.
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| subject + am/is/are + always + verb-ing | He is always losing his keys. |
| also: constantly, forever, continually | She is constantly complaining. |
When to use it
- Complaint: Tom is always leaving the door open!
- Past annoyance: She was always borrowing my things.
- Similar adverbs: constantly, continually, forever.
- Affection or surprise: He is always smiling – I love that.
Examples
- He is always losing his keys!
- You are always interrupting me.
- My neighbours are constantly playing loud music.
- She is forever complaining about the weather.
- I always walk to work. (neutral habit)
- They were always arguing when we were kids.
Common mistakes
- Using it for a neutral habit: I am always drinking tea in the morning → I always drink tea in the morning.
- Without the feeling it sounds like a complaint, so use it deliberately.
- Forgetting “be”: He always losing → He is always losing.