English · B1 · Grammar · about 8 min
Have you ever… asks about a life, not a date. I've never… answers it.
You meanAny time in your life
SayI've never tried pineapple on pizza.
TensePresent perfect
You meanA question to someone
SayHave you ever tried it?
TensePresent perfect
You meanA finished date
SayI tried it in 2019.
TensePast simple
| You mean | Say | Tense |
|---|---|---|
| Any time in your life | I've never tried pineapple on pizza. | Present perfect |
| A question to someone | Have you ever tried it? | Present perfect |
| A finished date | I tried it in 2019. | Past simple |
Have you ever…
…tried pineapple on pizza?
No date.
Answer with never
I've never tried it.
Or give a date
Then leave the perfect: I tried it in 2019.
Ever and never for life experience sit at B1, next to the unfinished-time use on the pattern page.
1 / 5
Ask if someone has tried pineapple on pizza. No date.
Have you ever tried pineapple on pizza?
Ever asks about a life, with no date attached.
Anya asks this to start a fight she enjoys.
I've never tried it.
Never + present perfect. The life is unfinished, so the perfect stays.
She intends to keep the streak.
I tried it once, in 2019.
The moment you add a finished date, switch to the past.
A friend brings up the date. The tense has to follow.