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 | Substitution |
|---|---|---|
| before now / previously | already | previously |
| earlier than expected | already | so soon / already |
| fully prepared | all ready | prepared / fully ready |
“All ready” is compositional: all + ready.
Quick tests
Prepared test
Can you replace the form with “prepared” or “fully ready”?
If yes: Use “all ready.”
If no: If you mean previously or earlier than expected, use “already.”
Examples
They have already left.
Already means before now.
The team is all ready to leave.
All ready means fully prepared.
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