Everyday vs Every Day
Getting to know the difference between everyday and every day can be helpful as everyday and every day are two words that confuse many as they cannot make the right choice when using either of the two words. However, the difference between everyday and every day is quite simple. While everyday is an adjective that refers to something that is common and ordinary, every day simply means each day. Also, another important fact to remember is that everyday is used when we are using the word in the adjective sense. When we are using the same word as an adverb, we simply have to use every day.
What does Everyday mean?
Everyday is an adjective that refers to something that is common or ordinary. If this does not make sense, take a look at these examples.
This is an everyday occurrence.
This is an every day occurrence.
Here, everyday refers to something that commonly takes place and not each day which is why use of every day is incorrect here. Therefore, in this context you have to use everyday that means common or ordinary. Take a look at the following example as well.
I wear my everyday dress when I am at home.
In this sentence, everyday is used to refer to a dress commonly worn by the speaker when she is at home. Here, everyday is an adjective that refers to something that is common, mundane, run of the mill, and so on. Therefore, everyday instead of every day has been used. Following example will make the distinction between every day and everyday absolutely clear.
I wear my everyday shoes to work.
In the sentence given above, the speaker wishes to convey that he wears his commonly used shoes when he is at work.
What does Every Day mean?
On the other hand, every day simply means each day. If this does not make sense, take a look at these examples.
I go to the office every day.
I go to office everyday.
Anyone who knows English language will quickly point out that the use of everyday in the second sentence is incorrect. This is because going to the office is something this person does each day. Therefore, the word should be every day as in the first sentence. Not everyday as in the second sentence. Here is another example to explain the use of every day.
I go to school every day.
This sentence simply means that the speaker goes to school on each day. Since we are talking about something that takes place each day this sentence has used every day, not everyday. To perfectly understand the use of every day, let us have a look at one last example.
I wear shoes to work every day.
In this sentence, the speaker tells that he wears shoes on each day that he goes to work.
What is the difference between Everyday and Every Day?
• Everyday and every day are two confusing words having different meanings.
• While every day means each day, everyday refers to something that is common and mundane.
• Everyday is an adjective while every day is an adverb.
It is clear then that everyday is an adjective that describes a common occurrence, whereas every day simply refers to each day.