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How to use "EVER" in the sentence?

 
 
canjen
 
Reply Fri 7 Jun, 2013 05:05 pm
I am afraid I don't have green fingers, because I have killed every plant I've ever owned.

What is the meaning of "ever" in the above sentence?
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Type: Question • Score: 2 • Views: 404 • Replies: 6
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roger
 
  2  
Reply Fri 7 Jun, 2013 05:21 pm
@canjen,
All plants I've owned have died.

By the way, "I don't have green fingers." could be changed to "I don't have a green thumb.".
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McTag
 
  1  
Reply Fri 7 Jun, 2013 11:39 pm
@canjen,

Quote:
What is the meaning of "ever" in the above sentence?


I believe it's known as an intensifier, and it emphasises the meaning.
The sentence means the same without it, but it doesn't sound quite right.

I think "having a green thumb/ green thumbs" is American, while we in the UK talk of having green fingers.
contrex
 
  1  
Reply Fri 7 Jun, 2013 11:50 pm
"Ever" means during all of the time period under discussion; that could be all of time, all of recorded time, or some lesser period which will be implied or specified. As Mctag says, it can be an intensifier and can often be omitted but be careful of doing so, as it can also serve as a specifier that no exceptions took place.

All the plants that have ever lived (all of the plants that have ever lived on the earth)

All the plants that I have ever grown (all of the plants which I have grown during my lifetime)

All the plants I have ever grown during my period at Rose Cottage.
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JTT
 
  1  
Reply Sat 8 Jun, 2013 08:34 pm
@McTag,
Quote:
I think "having a green thumb/ green thumbs" is American, while we in the UK talk of having green fingers.


I've never heard the plural 'green thumbs' used for this meaning.
McTag
 
  1  
Reply Sun 9 Jun, 2013 12:28 am
@JTT,

Thanks for that.
I will remember it.
JTT
 
  1  
Reply Sun 9 Jun, 2013 10:54 am
@McTag,
I'm not saying that it's impossible to use 'green thumbs'. It may might well be used by someone somewhere.
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