Everyday and Anytime: One Word or Two?

Everyday vs. Every Day

 

"Baffled Barb" wrote in to ask about the difference between "every day" and "everyday," and in her question she provided two following examples:

example 1: My everyday wardrobe consists mostly of items from Old Navy.

example 2: I wear something from Old Navy almost every day in the summer.

Both examples are absolutely correct. Great instincts, Barb! Here's how to remember this one: "Everyday" as one word should only be used as adjective meaning "routine" or "ordinary." As an adjective, it is used to describe or modify another word, such as "everyday photos" or "my everyday wardrobe." The two-word "every day" means "each day" or "every single day." If you can substitute either of these phrases into your sentence, then go with the two-word construction.

example 1: My each day summertime wardrobe consists mostly of... (Very awkward.)
example 2: I wear something from Old Navy each day in the summer. (That works.)

six more correct examples:
I take far more everyday photos than posed portraits.
I take photos of my children every day.
Please use our everyday dishes; the China is for special occasions only.
We use the blue, flowered dishes every day at mealtimes.

 

Anytime vs. Any Time 

Barb's question also brought the "anytime" vs. "any time" question to mind, even though they don't follow quite the same rules as "everyday" and "every day."

"Anytime" as one word is mostly restricted to American English, and it's an adverb meaning "at any time" or "whenever." If you can use "at any time" in your sentence, then "anytime" will always be acceptable, at least in America. The two-word construction "any time" includes both an adjective and a noun. It should be used when you mean for "time" to be your noun, modified by the adjective "any." In some usages, "time" could just as easily be modified by other adjectives or adjective phrases, like "some" or "a bit of."

example 1: Do you have any time to meet with me today?
test: Can you replace "any time" with "at any time"? No, so you need two words here. "Some time" or "a bit of time" would substitute nicely here, so you know you're using "time" as a noun.

example 2: You can set your alarm for any time you like.
test: Can you replace "any time" with "at any time"? No, so it's correct as written.

example 3: I'll babysit your kids anytime.
test: Will "at any time" work here? Yes, so the single word is fine.

example 4: In the immortal words of Milli Vanilli, "You can call my line; call it anytime."
test: Can you replace anytime with "at any time" or "whenever"? Yes. Correct.


Now, keep in mind that it's definitely a bigger error to put "anytime" in the wrong place. For example, it would be incorrect to use "anytime" in examples 1 and 2 above. (You wouldn't say, "Do you have anytime to meet with me today?") On the other hand, it's NOT incorrect to say "I'll babysit your kids any time." So, if you just can't figure it out, go with the two-word option and you'll be less likely to make a mistake.

Hope that helps. If you have other questions about everyday grammar, email me anytime.

Comments

[Krys72599]

Thanks for the "pronunciate" explanation. I'm a stickler for correct grammar and my blood pressure skyrockets when I see bad punctuation or spelling out in the real world, where people should know better!
Here's another invented word that just gets my goat: edutainment. Ugh!!!
I am just anal enough to IM with correct grammar and punctuation, too; if I catch a typo, I have to follow up with the correction.
I think I waste a lot of time this way, but that's just me!

[Melony]

You explain this stuff so well. I love the tests to use to find out which way to use the words. Hope your campaign is going well, I voted and have my fingers crossed :)

[Melony]

Did I really just write - to use to find out which way to use - ?? I'm so disappointed.

[Barb]

Thanks for answering my question, Angie! You do such a great job of explaining the rules. :)

[Stefani]

Ha! When I read "pronounciate" above I stopped and winced. I thought it was me being uneducated on a word, but then you went on to explain, and I felt much better!

I find it is sometimes easier to figure out how to use words correctly if you break it down or use it in a different context. You do such a great job of it. I am by no means a stickler but one that seems obvious to me, but so many people misuse, and it cringes my toenails is, me and I. I hate when people say something like, "Yesterday was a really good day for Brad and I." grrreech! Ok, I feel better just getting that out there!

[Jori]

Look at all of those cute babies!! I can't believe how big they all are.:)

[bcre8uv]

Any time you can throw in a Christmas Vacation reference, you definitely should. :)

~T.

[June]

For one of your "grammar days" can you clarify where to put a period, a comma, or a question mark when using quotation marks? I always feel like I'm doing it wrong.

[Christina]

angie- i must say that I love grammar days over here. so informative yet fun and I'm learing something...maybe it's new or maybe old hat, but regardless, I'm learning something. AND I really like that.

(please do not dissect my message and tell me about all my grammar mistakes and awful sentence structure! please!)

you're so witty, too, which makes it all the more fun to learn!

[Ajf 4]

Various read your article, I think it is great! Simple language, concise blog! Another types of style! I prefer! This looks so cute! Had made this want to see this. I miss Alexis Bldel, Device test that was an obvious GG fan and loved her inside of Sisterhood movies too. Hopefully she'll continue to act in more movies start one.Post by Ajf 4

[Puma Shoes]

Picture beautiful! Background is also beautiful! Is a great visual enjoyment! Read the blog you are so beautiful! I feel very fortunate