Definitions and Examples of never, rarely, seldom
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Not at any time; not on any occasion.
Example
I never eat meat because I'm a vegetarian.
Not often; infrequently; seldom.
Example
She rarely goes to the gym because she prefers outdoor activities.
Not often; rarely; infrequently.
Example
He seldom watches TV because he's always busy with work.
Key Differences: never vs rarely vs seldom
- 1Never indicates that something has not happened at any time, while rarely and seldom suggest that something happens infrequently.
- 2Rarely implies that something happens less often than usual, while seldom suggests that something almost never happens.
- 3Seldom is a more formal word than rarely and is used more in written English.
Effective Usage of never, rarely, seldom
- 1Express Frequency: Use these antonyms to describe how often something happens.
- 2Negate Statements: Use never to express the opposite of a positive statement.
- 3Add Variety: Incorporate these antonyms in your writing or speaking to avoid repetition and add variety.
Remember this!
The antonyms of always are never, rarely, and seldom. Use never to negate statements, rarely to indicate something happens less often than usual, and seldom to suggest something almost never happens. Incorporate these antonyms in your communication to express frequency, add variety, and avoid repetition.