What's the Difference Between "Everyday" and "Every Day"?
Even many native speakers do not notice the difference between "everyday" and "every day." But these two terms are actually not the same, and each should be used in different situations. A single space really does make a difference!
When you are speaking, you may not think much about these differences. However, when writing in English, it becomes important to choose the correct one. So let's go over how to choose and use each properly. After that, we'll also explain some other similar word pairs.
Everyday vs. Every day
"Everyday" (with no space) is an adjective that describes something that is common or something that happens daily.
Answering phones and responding to emails are everyday tasks for office assistants.
I have some shoes that I only wear on special occasions, but these are my everyday sneakers. They're really comfortable.
Crowds and noise are just part of everyday life in big cities.
Sometimes, "everyday" is used with the nuance that something is unimportant or boring. This usage is common when comparing things.
These aren't your everyday headphones; the sound quality and comfort is much higher than normal.
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So how does "everyday" compare with "every day"?
Well, when used this way (with a space), it is an adverb — it describes how often something happens. It is another way to say "each day."
I wake up at 6:30 am every day.
Leah goes for a morning jog every day before breakfast.
Kenji practices English for at least an hour every day.
It snowed every day this week.
A
Do you cook?
B
Not every day, but I like trying new recipes from time to time.
Anyway vs. Any way
Similar to the previous pair, "anyway" and "any way" are often confused but should be used differently.
Let's first look at "any way." It basically means "in whatever way" or "in no way," depending on the context.
Finish this project any way you can.
Here, the speaker is telling someone to do whatever they have to do to finish the project — it doesn't matter what.
We're not associated with that organization in any way.
This time, the speaker is emphasizing that there is no connection between their organization and another.
Let's move on to "anyway" (with no space). It is an adverb that has several uses.
“Besides”
It is often used at the end of a statement when giving an additional reason for something.
We don't have to rush to meet Josh on time. Josh is always late, anyway.
You can stay at my house tonight if you like. All of the hotels are fully booked, anyway.
This usage is very similar to "besides," except that it usually goes at the end of a sentence instead of the beginning.
You can stay at my house tonight if you like. Besides, all of the hotels are fully booked.
Changing the subject
"Anyway" is a very useful tool for directing the flow of a conversation. For example, if you'd like to change what you are talking about, you can use it to introduce a new topic.
A
We'll finish the project by next week.
B
That's good. Anyway, what are your plans for the weekend?
Sometimes, people say "anyways" instead of "anyway." This sounds more casual but does not change the meaning.
Anyways, how was the party last night?
Be sure to use it carefully; you don't want to suddenly change topics when the previous discussion feels incomplete. Wait for a time in which it feels natural to make a change.
Continuing a discussion that has been interrupted
When a discussion has been interrupted, you can use "anyway" to return to what you were talking about. Interruptions may happen because you and your partner temporarily changed topics, or because someone or something has disturbed you.
Anyway, I was about to ask you about ~
Anyway, what I was saying before was ~
In very informal conversations, people often add extra emphasis when they feel the discussion has moved too far from the original topic, or when the interruption was very strange. This is usually done in a joking way.
Aaaanyway, let's get back to what we were talking about before.
You can also say "As I was saying" for the same effect.
As I was saying, someone needs to contact Joe about the change in plans.
Ending a conversation
"Anyway" can also be used to signal that you need to end a conversation.
Anyway, I really need to get going now. See you tomorrow.
Anyway, it's almost time for my appointment, so I must be going.
Anyway, it was really nice talking with you. Let's keep in touch!
“Even though”
Finally, "anyway" expresses that something happens without being affected by something else.
His mother told him not to go, but he went anyway.
The weather forecast said it won't rain, but I'm taking my umbrella anyway.
Think of this usage as another way to say "even though."
He went even though his mother told him not to go.
I'm taking my umbrella even though the weather forecast said it won't rain.
Anyone vs. Any one
Let's look at one more pair of similar terms.
"Anyone" is a pronoun that refers to a person. We use it in questions and negative sentences.
I heard a noise, but I didn't see anyone in the room.
Do you know anyone who can fix computers?
Don't trust anyone.
On the other hand, "any one" refers to a single person or thing.
Can you hand me a pen? Any one of those on the table are fine.
The boss could've asked any one of us to do this job, but she chose you.
We're a small company, so we can't handle more than a single project at any one time.
The investigator didn't believe any one of their stories.
Wrap-up
You may not need to think about the small differences between some terms when you're speaking. But in writing, it's important to choose the correct words for the job. If you're ever not sure which choice is correct, use this article as a guide — at least until you can memorize them all!
If you'd like to learn about the differences between other similar terms, this article explains many that are easy for learners to confuse.
