Can I say "you never can be selfish".
my friend insist it's Chinglish. but I don't think so.what is your opinion?thanks a lot...Haha. I am so happy that many people voiced their views.However different people have different ideas. Some said yes,while others said no. So i am still confused.I hope more guys will leave their comments.

Question

Can I say "you never can be selfish". 
my friend insist it's Chinglish. but I  don't think so.what is your opinion?thanks a lot...Haha. I am so happy that many people voiced their views.However different people have different ideas. Some said yes,while others said no. So i am still confused.I hope more guys will leave their comments.

Answer

you never can be selfish

"never can"

You - never (not done ever) - can (is possible) -

not done ever - is possible.

Doesn't make any sense.

No, say, "you never" - "you can" or "you can never" - but don't say, "you never can be....."

"You can't ever be....." that's ok.

:)

Answer

"Never" always goes after the auxiliary (can), so it should be, "you can NEVER be selfish".

Answer

You should say ' you could never be selfish'
You were very close :-)

Answer

that is a completely correct sentence grammatically. Dont listen to your friends. Keep using it. :)

Answer

Speaker A: (in a sad voice) "I'm so selfish. I should never have done what I did."
Speaker B: (surprised) "You? Selfish? C'mon, you can never be selfish. You're the kindest, most generous person I know!"

c'mon (very casual) = come on, no way, that's difficult to believe