Already vs. All Ready
“Already” is an adverb referring to something before now or earlier than expected, while “all ready” means fully prepared. Because the forms sound very similar, meaning and sentence structure are better diagnostics than pronunciation alone.
Use “already” for “before now” or “earlier than expected.” Use “all ready” when you mean fully prepared. The two-word form can often be tested by replacing it with “prepared.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning | Use | Quick substitution |
|---|---|---|
| Before now / earlier than expected | already | Adverb: “It has already started.” |
| Fully prepared | all ready | Phrase: “We are all ready.” |
| Unsure between them | test with “prepared” | If “prepared” fits, the two-word form is usually the intended one. |
Quick tests
Prepared test
Can you replace the expression with “fully prepared”?
If yes: Use “all ready.”
If no: If the meaning is “before now” or “earlier than expected,” use “already.”
Caveat: Pronunciation often does not help because the forms can sound alike; meaning and syntax are better diagnostics.
Examples
The meeting has already started.
“Already” means before now.
We are all ready to leave.
The group is fully prepared.
The team is already for the launch.
Better: The team is all ready for the launch.
The intended meaning is “fully prepared,” so use two words.
They have already left.
The first is a time adverb; the second describes preparedness.
The team is all ready to leave.
The first is a time adverb; the second describes preparedness.
Further guidance
All Ready
Ready means prepared. In the phrase all ready, “all” intensifies or distributes that preparedness across the relevant people or things.
Already
Cambridge lists already as an adverb used for something before the present time or earlier than expected.
Sound Alike Boundary
The forms may sound alike in ordinary speech, so spelling should follow meaning rather than pronunciation.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Already — meaning and grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Already as an adverb
- Ready — meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Ready meaning prepared
- Already vs. All Ready (opens in a new tab)The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation · Direct comparison and substitution cue