«ever» colocado después de «who,» «what,» «where,» «why,» «when» y «how»

1. «Where ever have you been? I’ve been looking for you everywhere»; «Who ever told you I’d lend yo the money? I’ve no money at all.» «Who ever are you?» (The other person is presumably an intruder); «Who ever left the door open?» (What stupid person left it open?); «What ever are you doing in my car?» (astonishment/annoyance). «Why ever did you wash it in boiling water? «(dismay); «When ever did you leave home?» (You must have left very early); «Where ever did you put my briefcase?» (I can’t find it anywhere); «How ever did he escape unhurt?» (The car was a complete wreck). «You mustn’t wear anyhting green.- Why ever not?» (I can’t understand the reason for this prohibition). «Bring a knife to class tomorrow.- What ever for?» (I can’t understand what I need a knife for.

[«ever» no es necesario en la oración. Se añade para poner énfasis sobre la sorpresa/asombro/ira/irritación/desaliento del hablante. Significa lo mismo que «on the earth» / «on the world.» Observar las expresiones: «Why ever not?,» preguntando por el motivo de una prohición; y «What ever for?«, preguntando por la finalidad o el objeto de algo.]