Every Day vs Everyday
Published January 23, 2023. Updated January 23, 2023.
Every day and everyday sound and look similar, but their meanings are quite different. Every day is an adverbial phrase that refers to “the frequency (usually by day) of which something occurs.” Everyday, on the other hand, is an adjective that describes something “common, ordinary or of frequent use.”
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
Every Day (adverbial phrase)
The frequency (usually by day) of which something occurs; each day.
Examples:
I always make sure to check my emails every day when I wake up.
Praying every day is a common practice for devout believers.
Think of every day as a phrase that describes the frequency of a routine or practice. It does not always need to be a daily occurrence, but it should describe something that occurs with common frequency, something that happens each day.
Everyday (adjective)
Common, ordinary, or of frequent use.
Examples:
This new app is specifically designed to help you track your everyday purchases.
I really didn’t like the everyday pop sound of her new album, but I can see why it is selling well.
Everyday is a way to describe something that is common, ordinary, or used frequently or routinely. Think of it as a way to describe an item that is not unusual or exceptional.
Main Points
- Every day is an adverbial phrase that describes the frequency of which something occurs.
- Everyday is an adjective that describes something common, ordinary, or used frequently or routinely.
- Think of every day as something to further describe a verb, whereas everyday is an adjective that describes an item.