One Word or Two?

Common Errors with Compound Words

This is one of my favorite lessons to teach. Although it seems simple, many people, including native speakers of English, are unsure about the correct usage of these words and phrases.

Take a look at these two sentences. Can you say which is correct?

1. I try to read a little everyday.
2. I try to read a little every day.

This is a problem I see all the time, and not just with students of English. I see this error in social media posts, books, and even news articles. The correct sentence is...

Number 2

Here's why:

• 'Everyday' is an adjective meaning common or regular.
  • Bill is an everyday teacher.
  • I'm just an everyday writer, not a best-selling author.
• 'Every day' is a time expression, functioning as an adverb.
  • Do you work out every day?
  • Jenny comes here every day.

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Other Examples

Many other examples can be found when looking at phrasal verbs that combine to form nouns.

Phrasal Verb: hang out

• Let's hang out at the coffee shop.

Noun: hangout

• The coffee shop is a popular hangout.

Phrasal Verb: break up

• Tara is going to break up with Brian.

Noun: breakup

• Sarah isn't over her breakup yet.

Phrasal Verb: get away

• The dog is going to get away.

Noun: getaway

• We're going to a lovely island getaway.

Phrasal Verb: look out

• Look out! Here comes the ball!

Noun: lookout

• With no lookout, the thief was caught.

These are only a few examples. There are many more.
Can you think of any others?

​Feel free to comment or ask questions.