Everyday vs. Every Day: Differences Explained

In the world of grammar, small variations can make a big difference in meaning. One such example is the distinction between “everyday” and “every day.” 

“Everyday” is an adjective that describes something commonplace, ordinary, or occurring on a daily basis. On the other hand, “every day” is a phrase that indicates something happens each day, consistently. It answers the question “when?” and is written as two separate words. 

As you continue reading, you will discover the nuances between these two often-confused terms and learn how to use them correctly in your writing.

Everyday and Every Day: Understanding the Differences

‘Everyday’

Everyday is an adjective that describes a noun or pronoun. It signifies something that is daily used or seen, which is considered ordinary. 

In writing, everyday is a one-word term typically followed by a noun, such as “everyday clothes,” “everyday tasks,” or “everyday life.” 

In these examples, everyday refers to normal, usual, or standard items and situations, like a regular hat or English adjectives.

‘Every Day’

Every day, on the other hand, is an adverbial phrase composed of two words: “every” and “day.” 

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, so every day informs about the frequency of an action or event, such as “each day” or “daily.” 

The phrase every day commonly appears in sentences with a verb or a noun, like “She exercises every day” or “I check my email every weekday.”

One way to remember the difference between these commonly confused terms is to see if you can insert another word between “every” and “day.” If you can, you should use the two-word phrase every day. For example, “He practices guitar every single day.”

Using ‘Everyday’ and ‘Every Day’ in Sentences: Examples

‘Everyday’ and ‘every day’ have distinct meanings and usage in sentences. In this section, you’ll see examples that will help you understand and apply these terms in your writing.

‘Everyday’ is a single word, an adjective that means ‘ordinary,’ ‘routine,’ or ‘seen daily.’ Use it to describe nouns related to usual tasks, chores, or items in your daily life. For example:

• She wears her everyday clothes to work.
• Brushing your teeth is an everyday activity.
• The shop sells everyday household items.

On the other hand, ‘every day’ consists of two words and is an adverbial phrase that means ‘each day’ or ‘daily.’ It usually describes verbs, indicating the frequency of an action:

• I exercise every day to stay fit.
• Your task is to water the plants every day.
• She checks her emails every day before work.

To avoid grammar mistakes and confusion, always double-check your spelling. Remember: ‘everyday’ is used to describe nouns, whereas ‘every day’ clarifies the frequency of an action or verb. By keeping these rules in mind, you’ll convey clear, accurate information to your reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between everyday and every day?

Everyday is an adjective that describes commonplace or ordinary things, like “everyday clothes.” On the other hand, “every day” is an adverbial phrase that means “daily” or “each day,” as in “I walk my dog every day.”

How do I use everyday in a sentence?

To use “everyday” in a sentence, position it before nouns to describe something that is common or usual. For example: “She wears her everyday shoes to work,” where “everyday” modifies “shoes.”

When should I use every day?

Use “every day” to emphasize that an action occurs on a daily basis or each day. Place it after a verb. For example: “He checks his email every day,” where “every day” modifies the verb “checks.”

Are everyday and every day interchangeable?

No, “everyday” and “every day” have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. “Everyday” is an adjective describing ordinary items or occurrences, while “every day” is an adverbial phrase referring to a daily action.

What is the correct way to write “I go to school every day” or “I go to school everyday”?

The correct phrase is “I go to school every day.” Here, “every day” refers to the action of going to school on a daily basis or each day.

Is “I miss you every day” or “I miss you everyday” correct?

The correct statement is “I miss you every day.” In this case, “every day” emphasizes that the feeling of missing someone occurs on a daily basis or each day.