Are you unsure about the difference between 'everyday' vs. 'every day?'
Here is a quick answer:
- 'Everyday' is an adjective that means occurring everyday or common, as in an everyday item.
- 'Every day' is an adverb phrase that means happening daily.
If you are still confused about how to use these terms, stick around. In this post, I will give you a detailed explanation and teach you how to use this adjective and adverb phrase.
So, let's get started!
The Difference Between 'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'
The most significant difference between these terms is that you use 'everyday' as a single word when using it as an adjective to describe a noun. The latter is an adverb phrase, so you use it to describe a verb.
The phrase 'every day' includes the adjective every and the noun day.
When and How to Use 'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'
Knowing when to use the word 'everyday' and when to use the phrase 'every day' can be challenging. One way to check your usage is to place a word between every and day.
For example:
- We go to the park every other day.
It still makes sense, so the adverb phrase is correct.
If you place another word between every and day and it does not make sense, 'everyday' is accurate.
- This is an everyday thing.
You could say:
- This is an every single day thing.
In the examples above, it makes more sense to say 'everyday.'
Another way that you can remember which term to use is to use the first to describe a noun, for example:
- 'Everyday' occurrence
- 'Everyday' car
- 'Everyday' people
And you use the latter to describe a verb, for example:
- Go 'every day.'
- Walk 'every day.'
- Read 'every day.'
- Talk 'every day.'
Definition of 'Everyday': What Does 'Everyday' Mean?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'everyday' is an adjective that describes a noun as:
- Encountered or used daily
It can also mean:
- Typical
- Ordinary or common
Synonyms of 'Everyday'
- Ordinary
- Regular
- Normal
- Basic
- Common
- Simple
- Plain
Definition of 'Every Day': What Does 'Every Day' Mean?
The same source does not have a specific definition for the adverb phrase. So, we will look at the meanings of every and day separately.
Definition of Every
Every is an adjective that means:
- Being unconditionally included in something
It can also mean:
- A complete array of possibilities
- Complete or entirely
Synonyms of Every
- Any
- All
- Each
- Various
- Specific
- Respective
- Particular
Definition of Day
Day is a noun defined as:
- The time during a 24-hour period when the sun is out
It can also mean:
- Daylight
- The time it takes the planet to complete one rotation on its axis.
Synonyms of Day
- Daytime
- Daylight
- Sunlight
- Sunshine
- Morning
- Dawn
- Dusk
- Sunrise
- Light
- Morn
When you combine the terms to create the adverb phrase 'every day,' you use it to describe a verb in nearly the same way that the combined word 'everyday' describes a noun.
Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'
Whether you are learning to speak English as a second language or an amateur writer wanting to improve your craft, knowing the correct pronunciation for standard terms like these is critical.
So, here is a guide to verify that you are pronouncing these terms accurately.
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'everyday':
ev-rē-dā
- This is the phonetic spelling you use to pronounce 'every day' correctly.
ev-rē dā
As you can see, the pronunciations are nearly the same. However, you pause slightly between every and day when you use the adverb phrase.
Sample Sentences Using 'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'
Now that you know what these terms mean, read these sample sentences using 'everyday' vs. 'every day.' They will help you understand how to use each term in various contexts and remember when to use each word.
Everyday
- After she purchased her new car, she bought an expensive everyday car to drive to and from work.
- If you have difficulty paying your mortgage, consider reducing your everyday spending.
- Your everyday knowledge of the subject is invaluable. Without you, our team could not create the client-focused products we've developed because we would not fully understand what clients need.
- Please place everyday items on the table, and put the big ticket items over there.
Every Day
- If every day is the same, why do we try to improve so we can have a better life in the future?
- I need you to take care of Willow when we are out of town. You have to make sure she has food and fresh cold water every day.
- Every day on my way home from work, I stop by to bring my grandmother food and see how she is doing.
- He worked tirelessly every day except Saturday and Sunday, which he always took off to be with his family and catch up on his sleep.
- Sergio usually stops by to see me every day. However, he could not come today because of a business meeting.
Everyday/Every Day
- I can't believe you dragged her into this every day. She has a life too. You cannot take all of her time dealing with your everyday problems.
- You will need to wear your everyday glasses every day for a week following your surgery.
A Recap of the Difference Between 'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'
Wow! That was a lot of information to learn. So, let's do a quick recap:
- 'Everyday' is an adjective you use to describe a noun as something that you use daily or that is plain or ordinary, like a toaster or microwave.
- 'Every day' is an adverb phrase created with two separate words, every and day, which means an action is completed regularly, every day of the week, or every weekday.
- The most significant difference between 'everyday' vs. 'every day' is that the former describes a noun, and the latter describes a verb.
While you should clearly understand these terms and be able to explain them now, that might not always be the case. So, if you ever question which of these to use, review this lesson.
And if you have trouble with the accurate uses and meanings of other English terms, read the other guides in our confusing words section.
They will teach you everything you need to know about the terms they cover.
