Final answer:
The words 'never' and 'always' are referred to as absolutes in English. They can be inflammatory as they imply complete conditions without exceptions. It's advised to use these absolites with caution to prevent miscommunication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The words never and always are often referred to as absolutes in the English language. Absolutes are terms that denote complete, unequivocal states or conditions without any middle ground.
Using absolutes can sometimes be inflammatory, as they leave no room for exceptions or flexibility. For example, saying 'You never listen to me' suggests that the person doesn't listen at any time, which is rarely the case and might incite defensiveness or upset.
Similarly, 'You always ignore my suggestions' implies a total pattern of behavior that probably exaggerates the reality. It's important to use absolutes cautiously to avoid miscommunication and unnecessary conflict.