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They never bought anything vs They never buy anything

Both these phrases are correct; however, they're used in different contexts. 'They never bought anything' is in the past tense, indicating that in the past, they didn't make any purchases. 'They never buy anything' is in the present tense, suggesting that currently, they don't make any purchases. The choice between the two phrases depends on the timeframe you're referring to.
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Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 17, 2024

They never bought anything

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a past action of not making any purchases.

This phrase is used to talk about a situation in the past where someone did not make any purchases. It refers to a specific time in the past when the action of buying did not happen.

Examples:

  • They never bought anything when they lived in that city.
  • I asked them to go shopping, but they never bought anything.

Alternatives:

  • They didn't buy anything
  • They had never bought anything

They never buy anything

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a habitual action of not making any purchases.

This phrase is used to talk about a habitual behavior of not buying anything. It refers to a general pattern of behavior where the action of buying does not happen regularly.

Examples:

  • They never buy anything from that store.
  • She never buys anything online.

Alternatives:

  • They don't buy anything
  • They have never bought anything

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