Never or not … ever?

We can use not … ever instead of never, but never is much more common:

• She has never been a friend of ours. (or, less common, She hasn’t ever been a friend of ours.)
• Never forget where you came from, your family, your childhood friends. (or, less common, Don’t ever forget where you came from …)
• A: Why don’t you go to college and get a degree?
• B: I haven’t really ever thought about it. I’m too old now anyway. (or, more common, I’ve never really thought about it.)

warning

We don’t use not … ever at the beginning of a statement (in front position):

• Never had they seen so many strangers in their village all at the same time.
• Not: Not ever had they seen so many strangers …