how to use "ever" to emphasize?

[Zhengfangpan]

Hi,

I am kind of confused about how and when to use "ever" in a sentence? Is there any rule ? Can you give me all the possibilities?

Sometimes it is inserted after a noun--She is the only woman ever to have explored the deserted island.

Sometimes it is used before a verb-- None of us will ever forget this wonderful time.

Thank you.

[Yankee]

Hi Zhengfangpan

Take a look at the examples for "ever" that the Cambridge Dictionary provides:

Used for emphasis:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=26608&dict=CALD

Used to mean "at any time":
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=26599&dict=CALD

Used to mean "always":
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=26604&dict=CALD

And this thread might be useful for you:
Difference between ever seen and Never seen
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