Overview
'Still' means something continues to be true or is ongoing — often with surprise: She is still working at 10pm. 'Ever' means at any time — used in questions and negatives: Have you ever been to Japan? 'Never' means at no time — a strong negative: I have never tried sushi. All three are most commonly used with the present perfect but also appear with other tenses.
Three Key Adverbs
- stillStill = continues to be true (often surprising).
- stillShe still works there after 20 years.
- everEver = at any time — in questions and negatives.
- everHave you ever tried sushi?
- neverNever = at no time — strong negative.
Position Rules
- still (+)Subject + still + auxiliary + main verb.
- still (?)Still before auxiliary in questions: Is she still here?
- still (–)Negative: He still hasn't replied. (surprising)
- ever/neverGo between auxiliary and past participle: have ever/never seen.
- neverNever at start → inverted: Never have I seen this.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Have you never been there? (in genuine questions use 'ever')
- ❌ I ever go there → ✅ I never go there.
- ❌ She still is working → ✅ She is still working.
When to use
Still (Surprise)
He still hasn't called — it's been three days!
Ever (Questions)
Have you ever visited the Great Wall?
Never (Negative)
I have never eaten snails.
Formal Inversion
Never have I encountered such rudeness.