every

Use the word "every" when describing one thing or one person among a large group. This word is similar to "each." In the sentences below, "every" is an adjective:

• Jonah goes to school every day.
• Stacy does her laundry every Saturday.
• Every morning I wake up at 5:00 to work on my website.
• A police officer patrols this street every hour on the hour. (once an hour)

The word "every" is often attached to words like thing, one, and body. These combinations form pronouns, and they are singular:

• Everyone is here. (Not, Everyone are here.)
• Everything is working.
• Everybody wants to see that movie.

The word "everywhere," however, is an adverb. Don’t try to use it as a pronoun:

• He travels everywhere with his laptop.
• Everywhere you go at this time of year, you’ll see Christmas decorations.
• Everywhere goes….

You can use "every" to form an adjective with the word "day."

• Those are his everyday work clothes. (The word "everyday" describes the word "clothes.")
• Everyday assignments are posted on the bulletin board. (The word "everyday" describes the word "assignments.")
• On this website, you’ll learn everyday English.

Click here to go to the Word of the Day page.

November 2012