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You have probably seen the word everyday and the phrase every day used interchangeably. You might have wondered which is correct in a sentence, as well as how you can use it more accurately. We'll help you answer those questions.
Everyday vs. Every Day: The Basics
The single word everyday is an adjective describing an item or event (i.e., a noun) as commonplace.
Examples
Breathing is an everyday occurrence for all living things.
I have a pair of everyday sneakers I wear when doing yard work.
That restaurant has an everyday friendliness that makes you feel at home. |
Every day (two words) is often used as an adverbial phrase meaning "each day." In this context, it does not describe a noun but rather modifies a verb, gerund, or infinitive by identifying an action's frequency.
Examples
I sleep (verb) eight hours every day so I feel more rested.
Lifting weights (gerund phrase) every day can help to build bigger muscles.
They say to study (infinitive) every day if you want to learn a new language. |
You'll note that in the second set of examples, every day refers to things that happen repeatedly.
Every day also can be used as a noun phrase.
Examples
Every day is a good day when you have the right attitude.
Let's start by making every day as special as we can. |
One Word or Two: A Technique to Remember
Because everyday and every day resemble each other so closely, you can apply a simple technique to help differentiate most of their uses. If ever in doubt, ask yourself which word would make a better substitute: common or always? If the answer is common, use one word. If it's always, use two words.
Examples
My everyday (common) scarf is frayed but comfortable.
I get tired of having to shovel snow from my driveway every day (always). |
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Pop Quiz
Using what you've learned in this article, choose the correct word or phrase in each sentence.
1. Working out [everyday/every day] has given me a ton of energy lately.
2. My meal was fantastic. That wasn't an [everyday/every day] dining experience.
3. I would love to visit the park more, but my boss has me working overtime almost [everyday/every day].
4. I want [everyday/every day] to be as productive as we can make it.
5. Elena's [everyday/every day] coat is fine, but she wanted to wear something special for her anniversary.
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Wordplay
Pop Quiz Answers
1. Working out every day has given me a ton of energy lately.
2. My meal was fantastic. That wasn't an everyday dining experience.
3. I would love to visit the park more, but my boss has me working overtime almost every day.
4. I want every day to be as productive as we can make it.
5. Elena's everyday coat is fine, but she wanted to wear something special for her anniversary.
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