Everyday or every day, which one is correct? If this question has ever made you pause while writing, you’re not alone.
These two words look almost the same. They sound the same too. But they do very different jobs in a sentence.
In this guide, you’ll learn the exact difference, see clear examples, and discover an easy memory trick you’ll never forget.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use everyday and when to use every day without guessing.
Which One Is Correct (Everyday or Every Day?)
Here’s the short answer:
Both are correct. But they are used in different ways.
- Everyday (one word) is an adjective.
- Every day (two words) is an adverbial phrase that means “each day.”
If you’re talking about something that happens daily, you usually need every day (two words).
If you’re describing something as ordinary or common, you need everyday (one word).
Quick Rule:
If you can replace it with “each day,” use every day (two words).
Meaning of “Everyday”
Everyday (one word) is an adjective.
It describes something that is common, normal, or routine. It does not mean “daily.” Instead, it means “ordinary.”
You usually place it before a noun.
Simple Definition:
Everyday = common, typical, regular
Examples:
- She wore her everyday clothes to the store.
- These are just everyday problems.
- He uses simple, everyday language.
- Cooking dinner is part of her everyday routine.
- This is an everyday occurrence in big cities.
Notice something important:
In all these examples, everyday describes a noun. That’s how adjectives work.
Meaning of “Every Day”
Every day (two words) means “each day” or “daily.”
It tells us how often something happens.
Simple Definition:
Every day = each day
You usually use it at the beginning or end of a sentence.
Examples:
- I go for a walk every day.
- She drinks coffee every day.
- He studies English every day.
- We talk on the phone every day.
- The store opens every day at 9 a.m.
Here’s a quick test:
Can you replace it with “each day”?
Example:
I exercise each day. ✔
So you should write: I exercise every day. ✔
Why Do People Confuse Everyday and Every Day?
This confusion happens for three main reasons.
1. They Look Almost the Same
The only difference is a space. That small space changes the meaning completely.
2. They Sound the Same
When we speak, we don’t hear the space. So many people assume the spelling is also the same.
3. Fast Typing Mistakes
When typing quickly, people often combine the words without thinking. Autocorrect doesn’t always fix it either.
Because of this, even strong writers sometimes make this grammar mistake.
Just Everyday – Is It Correct?
Many people write sentences like this:
❌ I go to the gym everyday.
This is wrong.
Why?
Because here, the meaning is “each day.” So it must be two words:
✔ I go to the gym every day.
Now look at this:
✔ These are my everyday shoes.
This is correct.
Why?
Because “everyday” describes “shoes.” It means ordinary shoes.
Common Mistake Pattern:
If the word answers the question “How often?” → use every day.
If it describes a noun → use everyday.
Easy Trick to Remember the Difference
Here’s a simple memory trick you’ll love:
Replace It Test
Try replacing the phrase with “each day.”
If it works, use every day (two words).
If it doesn’t work, use everyday (one word).
Let’s test it:
- I read every day.
→ I read each day. ✔
So it’s two words. - These are my everyday clothes.
→ These are my each day clothes. ❌
That sounds wrong. So it must be one word.
This trick works almost every time.
Related Phrases with “Every”
To understand this topic better, let’s look at similar expressions.
Every Single Day
This means “each and every day” with emphasis.
- She practices piano every single day.
- He calls his mother every single day.
It’s stronger than just “every day.”
Every Other Day
This means one day on, one day off.
- I go jogging every other day.
- She waters the plants every other day.
Every Few Days
This means not daily, but regularly.
- I check my email every few days.
- We visit them every few days.
Understanding these phrases helps you avoid grammar mistakes in daily writing.
Common Misspellings
Here are common spelling mistakes related to everyday grammar confusion:
| Correct | Incorrect |
| every day | everyday (when meaning daily) |
| everyday | every day (when describing a noun) |
| a lot | alot |
| separate | seperate |
| definitely | definately |
| receive | recieve |
| until | untill |
| their | thier |
| because | becuase |
| grammar | grammer |
| tomorrow | tommorow |
| piece | peice |
| whether | wether |
| lose | loose (when meaning misplace) |
| then | than (when referring to time) |
These are some of the most common English spelling errors people search for online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “everyday” ever correct?
Yes. Everyday is correct when it describes something ordinary or common.
Example: These are everyday tasks.
Is it one word or two?
It depends on meaning.
If you mean “each day,” it’s two words: every day.
If you describe something as ordinary, it’s one word: everyday.
Can I use it in formal writing?
Yes. Both forms are correct in formal writing. Just make sure you use the right one based on meaning.
Editors often check this mistake carefully.
What does everyday mean?
Everyday means common, normal, or typical.
It does not mean daily.
What does every day mean?
Every day means each day or daily.
It describes frequency.
Why is this mistake so common?
Because the words sound the same and differ by only one space. Many writers don’t notice the difference while typing.
Conclusion
Now you know the difference between everyday and every day.
- Use everyday to describe something ordinary.
- Use every day to mean each day.
Remember the simple trick: replace it with “each day.” If it works, use two words.
This small grammar rule makes a big difference in clear writing. Once you understand it, you’ll never mix them up again.
Write carefully. Check your meaning. And use the correct form every day.
Michael Reed is a passionate language enthusiast who has spent over a decade exploring the nuances of English grammar. Writing has always been his way of sharing knowledge, simplifying complex rules, and helping readers express themselves clearly. He believes that good grammar is the bridge between ideas and understanding, making communication powerful and precise. When he isn’t writing, Michael enjoys reading classic literature, experimenting with creative writing, and mentoring young writers. His goal is to make grammar accessible, enjoyable, and practical for everyone. Michael’s dedication to language learning has inspired thousands to embrace the beauty of words every day.
Books by Michael Reed:
-
Mastering Grammar Made Simple
-
The Essential Guide to English Writing
