Do you ever find yourself confused about whether to use “always” or “alway” in your writing? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences between them that can affect the meaning of your sentence.
Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word. “Always” is the correct spelling and should be used in most cases. “Alway” is an archaic spelling that is rarely used today, except in some dialects or as a poetic device.
So, what does “always” mean? It is an adverb that indicates something is happening all the time or on every occasion. For example, “I always brush my teeth before bed.”
On the other hand, “alway” is an adverb that means continually or perpetually. It is often used in a poetic or literary context to convey a sense of timelessness or eternalness. For example, “Love will alway conquer hate.”
Now that we’ve clarified the difference between these two words, let’s explore some common mistakes and tips for using them correctly.
Define Always
Always is an adverb that means at all times, on every occasion, or without exception. It is used to describe an action or behavior that is constant and unchanging. For example, “I always brush my teeth before bed” indicates that the speaker consistently performs this action every night.
Always can also be used to express certainty or assurance. For instance, “I will always love you” conveys a sense of unwavering commitment or devotion.
Define Alway
Alway is an archaic or poetic variation of always. It is rarely used in modern English, except in literary or artistic contexts where an old-fashioned or formal tone is desired.
The word alway is derived from the Old English word ælweg, which means “all the way” or “throughout.” In Middle English, it was spelled alwey or alwaye, and it was used interchangeably with always. However, over time, the spelling and pronunciation of always became more common, and alway fell out of use.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to use “always” and “alway” correctly.
How To Use “Always” In A Sentence
“Always” is an adverb that indicates something happens all the time or without exception. Here are some examples:
- I always brush my teeth before going to bed.
- She always arrives early for meetings.
- He always forgets his keys.
It is important to note that “always” should not be confused with “all ways,” which means “in every manner or respect.” For example:
- She considered all ways to solve the problem.
How To Use “Alway” In A Sentence
“Alway” is an archaic term that is no longer commonly used in modern English. It is a variant of “always” and means the same thing. However, it is important to note that using “alway” instead of “always” may be perceived as old-fashioned or incorrect. Here is an example:
- The sun will shine alway.
In conclusion, it is essential to use the correct word in a sentence to avoid confusion and convey the intended meaning. “Always” is the correct and commonly used term, while “alway” is an archaic variant that is no longer commonly used.
More Examples Of Always & Alway Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of using “always” and “alway” in sentences. While these two words may seem interchangeable, they each have their own unique meanings and uses.
Examples Of Using “Always” In A Sentence
- I always wake up early to go for a run.
- She always forgets her keys in the morning rush.
- He always orders the same thing at the restaurant.
- They always take a family vacation in the summer.
- We always celebrate birthdays with cake and presents.
- He always wears a suit to work.
- She always sings in the shower.
- They always arrive early to avoid traffic.
- We always say grace before meals.
- He always puts his phone on silent during meetings.
As you can see, “always” is used to describe a consistent or habitual action. It implies that something is done repeatedly or without fail.
Examples Of Using “Alway” In A Sentence
- Alway be prepared for unexpected changes.
- We should alway strive to do our best.
- He alway puts others before himself.
- She alway speaks her mind, no matter the consequences.
- They alway make time for each other, even with busy schedules.
- We should alway be open to learning new things.
- He alway takes the high road in difficult situations.
- She alway sees the good in people, even when it’s hard.
- They alway stand up for what they believe in.
- We should alway be kind to others, even when we don’t feel like it.
“Alway” is not a commonly used word in the English language, but it can be used to convey a sense of consistency or permanence. It is often used in motivational or inspirational contexts to encourage positive behavior.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “always” and “alway,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Always” Instead Of “Alway”
One common mistake is using “always” instead of “alway.” While “always” means “at all times,” “alway” is an archaic form of the word “always” and is no longer commonly used. Using “alway” instead of “always” is not only incorrect but can also make your writing sound outdated.
Using “Alway” Instead Of “Always”
Another mistake is using “alway” instead of “always.” As mentioned earlier, “alway” is an archaic form of “always” and is no longer commonly used. Using “alway” instead of “always” can make your writing sound old-fashioned and may confuse your readers.
Using “Always” To Exaggerate
People often use “always” to exaggerate or emphasize a point. For example, “You always forget to take out the trash!” However, this use of “always” is incorrect because it implies that the person never remembers to take out the trash, which is unlikely to be true. Instead, use more accurate words like “often” or “frequently.”
Using “Always” In Negative Sentences
Another common mistake is using “always” in negative sentences. For example, “I never always forget my keys.” This sentence is incorrect because “always” implies that the person does forget their keys all the time, which contradicts the negation in the sentence. Instead, use words like “usually” or “sometimes” to convey the intended meaning.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to understand the differences between “always” and “alway” and use them correctly. Here are some tips:
- Use “always” instead of “alway” in all cases.
- Avoid using “always” to exaggerate or overstate a point.
- Use more accurate words like “often” or “frequently” instead of “always.”
- Avoid using “always” in negative sentences.
- Proofread your writing to ensure that you are using these words correctly.
Context Matters
When it comes to the choice between “always” and “alway,” context plays a crucial role in determining which word to use. While both words may seem interchangeable, their usage can differ depending on the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “always” and “alway” might change:
| Context | Example | Preferred Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | She always goes to the gym. | Always |
| Emphasis | He is always the first to arrive. | Always |
| Abbreviation | They alway make me laugh. | Alway |
| Informal Tone | I alway forget my keys. | Alway |
In the context of frequency or emphasis, “always” is the preferred word choice. In contrast, when “alway” is used, it is often as an abbreviation or in a more informal tone.
It’s important to consider the context when deciding between “always” and “alway” to ensure that the intended meaning is accurately conveyed.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rule for using “always” and “alway” is straightforward, there are a few exceptions where the rules may not apply. In these cases, it’s important to understand the context and usage to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
1. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a meaning that is not necessarily related to the literal meaning of the words used. In some cases, these expressions may include the use of “always” or “alway” in a way that does not follow the general rule.
For example, the phrase “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” is a common idiom that means someone is always in the role of a supporting character and never the main focus. In this case, the use of “always” is not meant to convey a sense of continuity, but rather to emphasize the ongoing nature of the situation.
2. Emphasis Or Exaggeration
There may be times when “always” or “alway” is used for emphasis or exaggeration, rather than to indicate a continuous action or state. In these cases, the usage may not follow the general rule.
For instance, someone might say “I always forget my keys” when they have only forgotten them a few times. This usage is not meant to indicate a continuous action, but rather to emphasize the frequency of the forgetfulness.
3. Regional Or Cultural Variations
There may be regional or cultural variations in the usage of “always” and “alway” that differ from the general rule. For instance, in some dialects or regions, “alway” may be used more frequently than “always.”
Additionally, some cultures may use “always” or “alway” in ways that are different from standard English usage. For example, in some cultures, “always” may be used to indicate a sense of obligation or duty, rather than continuity.
4. Technical Or Scientific Usage
In technical or scientific usage, “always” or “alway” may be used in ways that differ from standard English usage. For example, in mathematics, “always” may be used to indicate a universal truth or principle that holds true under all circumstances.
Similarly, in scientific research, “always” may be used to indicate a consistent result or finding that has been observed repeatedly across multiple experiments or studies.
It’s important to note that these exceptions are relatively rare and that the general rule for using “always” and “alway” applies in most cases.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of always and alway is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word, always or alway, to fill in the blank in each sentence below:
- I _______ brush my teeth before bed.
- She is _______ on time for our meetings.
- We should _______ strive to do our best.
- He is _______ complaining about something.
- They _______ say “please” and “thank you.”
Answer Key:
- always
- always
- always
- alway
- always
Explanation: In sentences 1, 2, 3, and 5, the correct word is always because it means “all the time” or “without exception.” In sentence 4, the correct word is alway because it means “constantly” or “repeatedly.”
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word, always or alway, to complete each sentence below:
- She is _______ on time for our meetings.
- a) always
- b) alway
- a) always
- b) alway
- a) always
- b) alway
- a) always
- b) alway
- a) always
- b) alway
Answer Key:
- a) always
- a) always
- a) always
- a) always
- b) alway
Explanation: In sentences 1, 2, 3, and 4, the correct word is always because it means “all the time” or “without exception.” In sentence 5, the correct word is alway because it means “constantly” or “repeatedly.”
Conclusion
After examining the differences between “always” and “alway,” it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. While “always” is a commonly used adverb that means “at all times,” “alway” is an archaic form of the word that is no longer in use.
It is important to pay attention to the spelling and usage of words in order to effectively communicate in written and spoken language. Grammar and language use are essential skills that can be improved through continued learning and practice.
Key Takeaways:
- “Always” is the correct and commonly used form of the word
- “Alway” is an archaic form of the word that is no longer in use
- Proper grammar and language use are essential for effective communication
- Continued learning and practice can improve language skills
By paying attention to these key takeaways, readers can improve their language use and avoid common mistakes. Remember to always double-check spelling and usage to ensure clear and effective communication.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.