Everyday vs. Every Day
Everyday is a one-word adjective meaning ordinary, usual, or part of normal life. Every day is two words when it means each day. The distinction is therefore both grammatical and orthographic: adjective before a noun versus a determiner + noun time expression.
Use “everyday” before a noun when you mean ordinary or usual (“everyday clothes”). Use “every day” when you mean each day (“I walk every day”).
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning/role | Use | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| ordinary/usual adjective | everyday | everyday life |
| each day / daily frequency | every day | walk every day |
Do not use one-word everyday merely because something happens daily; the one-word form is adjectival.
Quick tests
Each-day test
Can you replace the expression with “each day”?
If yes: Use “every day.”
If no: If it modifies a noun and means ordinary/usual, use “everyday.”
Caveat: Meaning and sentence role must agree; “everyday” is not simply a compressed spelling of every day.
Examples
These are my everyday shoes.
Everyday modifies shoes and means ordinary/usual.
I wear these shoes every day.
Every day means each day.
I wear these shoes everyday.
Better: I wear these shoes every day.
Here the intended meaning is each day, so Cambridge’s two-word form applies.
Further guidance
Replacement Test
If “ordinary” fits before the noun, everyday is likely; if “each day” fits, use every day.
Role Boundary
Cambridge says everyday is an adjective meaning ordinary/usual.
Spacing Boundary
Cambridge explicitly says to write two words when every day means each day.
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.
- Every — Cambridge Grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary / English Grammar Today · Every/every one/everyone grammar and word-boundary guidance, including related every constructions
- Everyday (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Meaning and adjective role of everyday