The Guardian | November 8, 2022
"Study reveals how everyday technology affects modern family relationships."
Everyday vs. Every Day
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
'Everyday' (one word) is an adjective meaning common, ordinary, or routine. 'Every day' (two words) means each day or daily.
These are my everyday shoes, and I wear them every day.
A Deeper Look
'Everyday' (one word) describes normal, ordinary things - the kind of stuff that's not special or unusual. It always comes before the thing it's describing.
I'll wear my everyday clothes to the caf�, not my fancy dress.
Doing the shopping and cleaning are just everyday tasks.
'Every day' (two words) simply means 'each day' - it tells us when something happens.
She walks her dog every day, even when it rains.
The shop is open every day except Sunday.
Quick tip: If you can swap it with "ordinary," use everyday. If you can swap it with "each day," use every day. "Ordinary clothes" works, but "each day clothes" doesn't!
Common Usage Patterns
Everyday (one word)
"Everyday clothes"
"Everyday situations"
"Everyday life"
Every Day (two words)
"I exercise every day"
"The store opens every day"
"Take medicine every day"
Key Patterns
Everyday: always comes before a noun
Every day: can be moved within the sentence
Test: If "each day" fits, use two words
What Teachers Say
"The simplest test is to try replacing it with 'ordinary' or 'each day'. If 'ordinary' works, use 'everyday'. If 'each day' works, use 'every day'."
-- Janet, Bristol
"Business writers often confuse these in marketing copy. Remember: 'everyday low prices' describes the prices, but 'we offer discounts every day' tells when the discounts happen."
-- Peter, Montreal
"Look at the role in the sentence. Is it describing something (adjective = everyday) or telling when something happens (adverbial = every day)?"
-- Sarah, Auckland
From The Headlines
The New York Times | March 15, 2017
"Thousands of commuters cross this bridge every day, despite its appearance."
USA Today | June 22, 2012
"Everyday heroes emerge as volunteers help at food bank."
Test Yourself!
1. She wears her _______ clothes to the office.
2. The gym opens at 6 AM _______.
3. These _______ challenges make it difficult to find time to exercise _______.
