As an editor, I see errors in writing every day; therefore, revising errors is an everyday occurrence for me.
One common error I see is the misuse of the words everyday and every day.
These words are used often. They may sound the same, but they have different meanings.
Everyday is a compound word (when two or more words are joined to form a new word that has a single meaning).
The new word has a meaning that’s different from the meaning of each separate word.
Everyday (adjective) means commonplace or typical.
Her everyday routine includes swimming.
Because everyday is an adjective, it must be followed by a noun (routine).
Every day is two words: an adjective (every) and a noun (day); it means each day.
She swims every day.
Every day refers to time; in the above example, it tells us when he makes breakfast. It doesn’t need to be followed by a noun.
So how can you remember to use these terms correctly?
If you’ve written everyday in a sentence, double-check to see if it’s followed by a noun. If it’s not, spell it as two words.
Try not to make the misuse of everyday and every day an everyday mistake.
