The difference between everyday and every day in English.
Every day and Everyday sound the same in spoken English but are written differently and have different meanings.
What is the difference between Every day and everyday?
Let’s look at the first one, every day written as two words.
EVERY DAY
Every day (two words) is an adverbial phrase.
An adverbial phrase is a group of words used as an adverb.
Remember, adverbs normally describe HOW something happens or the FREQUENCY it happens.
In this case, every day describes the frequency of something.
Every day means: on all of the days, each day, or daily.
It refers to all of these days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday AND Sunday.
Our example sentences:
- I study English every day.
Here I am talking about the frequency I study English. What is that frequency? How often do I study English? ….. every day. I study English every day.
- He has to wear a uniform to work every day.
- Woodward English puts a new word with its definition and examples on twitter every day.
Yes, this is true, look for @WoodwardEnglish on twitter and you will find a new word every day.
EVERYDAY
Everyday (one word) is an adjective.
Remember, an adjective normally DESCRIBES something or gives us more information about it.
In this case, everyday describes the noun or thing that comes after it.
Everyday means: ordinary, regular, normal, or common place.
Since everyday is an adjective, it appears before a noun.
Everyday + noun
- Everyday activities
- Everyday occurrence
Our example sentences:
- These dishes are for everyday
Here I am talking about the frequency I study English. What is that frequency? How often do I study English? ….. every day. I study English every day.
- Even though he had won the lottery, it hadn’t changed his everyday
It is common to use everyday before life to refer to life in general or normal life.
- My assistant takes care of all of the everyday things I don’t have time for.
Yes, the regular, mostly boring, common place things.
- Violent crime is an everyday occurrence in this part of the city.
Yes, it is a regular occurrence or a common occurrence.
Every day vs. Everyday – Practice Exercises
Let’s practice the difference between these words.
Complete the following sentences with every day (two words) or everyday (one word):
- She goes to the gym _______.
- Complaints are an _______ occurrence at the help desk.
- Social media has become a part of _______
- The library is open _______.
- You can do this project with _______ items you find in your house.
- He works _______ except Sunday.
The answers appear in the video.
Don’t worry, native English speakers are often confused about whether to write every day as two words or everyday as one word.
English Summary Chart – Every day vs. Everyday
