One word or two?

The e-book  600+ Confusing English Words Explained  will help clear up your doubts about how to use English words correctly, so that you can speak and write more confidently.
Click here for more information!

Today you’ll learn some common English words that are often misused because they are so similar. The only difference between them is a space, or one letter. The context of the sentences will help you understand how to know which one to use.

1. Already vs. All ready

Already = something that has happened previously

All ready = everyone or everything is ready

The clothes are clean – I’ve already washed them.

Hey guys – are you all ready for the road trip?

2. Sometime vs. Some time

Sometime = an unspecified point in time

Some time = an unspecified amount of time

Let’s go out to eat sometime next week.

I met her some time ago and we have remained good friends.

3. Anyway vs. Any way

Anyway = in any case

Any way = any manner; by any means

I don’t mind coming to work early. I’m a morning person, anyway.

If there’s any way you can help us, we’d appreciate it.

4. Everyday vs. Every day

Everyday = an adjective meaning ordinary or casual

Every day = describes how frequently you do something

You like this dress? It’s just my everyday dress that I wear around the house.

I make sure to drink five glasses of water every day.

5. Everyone vs. Every one

Everyone = refers to all people (same as “everybody”)

Every one = refers to individual objects. We often say “every single one” to emphasize it.

Everyone has a special skill that makes him or her unique.

He was totally unprepared for the test; he got every single one of the answers wrong.

6.  Apart vs. A part

Apart = physically separated

A part = one part of something

The pillars are about five feet apart from each other.

I gave her a part of my sandwich.

Note: We often use simply “part” rather than “a part,” so we could also say “I gave her part of my sandwich.”

7. Altogether vs. All together

Altogether = completely. It can also be used to show that an amount is a total.

All together = in a group

The traffic was very slow, and then it stopped altogether. (= completely)

We sold our CD collection for about $500 altogether. (= a total)

I love it when my family is all together at Christmas.