Understanding the Distinction Between “All Ready” and “Already”

All Ready vs. Already

Today, we will learn about two words that sound the same but have different meanings: “all ready” and “already”. Let’s look at the history, how to use them, and a trick to remember the difference.

History of the Words

The words “all” and “ready” have Old English roots. “All” means “completely” or “every”. “Ready” means “prepared”. Together, “all ready” means “completely prepared”. The word “already” comes from “all ready” but changed over time. “Already” means “before now” or “by this time”.

Using “All Ready”

“All ready” is used when you want to say that everything or everyone is prepared.

• The students are all ready for the test.
• We are all ready to go on the trip.
• The food is all ready on the table.
• She is all ready for school.
• Are you all ready to leave?

Using “Already”

“Already” is used to describe something that happened before now or earlier than expected.

• He has already finished his homework.
• I have already eaten breakfast.
• They are already at the park.
• The movie has already started.
• It is already dark outside.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “all ready” as “all prepared”. You can separate “all” and “ready” because both words talk about being prepared.

Think of “already” as a single idea: something that happened in the past or before now.

Summary

In summary, use “all ready” when saying someone or something is completely prepared. Use “already” when talking about something that happened before now or earlier. Remember the trick: “all ready” = “all prepared” and “already” = “happened before now”.