The Tale of Every Thing and Everything: When Two Words Aren’t Better Than One!

The Tale of Every Thing and Everything: When Two Words Aren’t Better Than One!

Everything vs. Every Thing

It might seem tricky, but “everything” and “every thing” are not the same. Let’s learn how they are different, when to use them, and a simple way to remember them.

History of the Words

Everything: This word has been used as one word since the 15th century. It means all things as a whole.

Every Thing: This phrase uses “every” and “thing” separately. It is less common now but can mean each individual item separately.

How to Use Them

Everything: Use “everything” to talk about all things together. It is one word and means all of something as a group.

Every Thing: Use “every thing” when you mean each item on its own. It is two words and focuses on individual items.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “everything” as one big group of things combined. Remember, it’s all “one word” for “all things.” For “every thing,” think of each “thing” alone as separate items.

Example Sentences

Everything (one word):

• Everything is ready for the party.
• She loves everything about art.
• Is everything okay with you?
• Tell me everything you know.
• Everything in the garden is blooming.

Every Thing (two words):

• Every thing on the shelf is broken.
• Check every thing before you leave.
• Do you remember every thing from school?
• Every thing in the box is special to me.
• She bought every thing on the shopping list.

Summary

“Everything” is used when talking about all things together as one. “Every thing” means each item separately. Remember: “everything” is for the whole group, while “every thing” is for each item alone.