Already and all ready are two words/phrases I see mixed up all the time. When I used to edit manuscripts for new authors, it was actually expected in every book I opened. So, why do we get so easily confused between them? Good question, and I’m going to break it all out for you so you never have to get them crossed again.
All Ready vs. Already
No, they’re not two versions of the same word, although they sound the same when spoken. You would use all ready when talking about something that’s all done or all complete. And you’d use the word already if you’re referencing something that’s happened before.
Already Meaning
Now, the adverb already is used when something has previously happened or just recently taken place. If I spend three hours making supper for my family and my kid throws a tantrum and demands another dish, I’d probably look at them and say, “But I already made spaghetti, so that’s what we’re having.”
All Ready Meaning
All ready means complete; something is finished and prepared to an end. Like when you’re doing your hair and makeup to go out on a date, and you finish, you could say, “I’m all ready!”
Is All Ready One Word?
Not if you mean the phrase to describe something that is ready. But if you mean the adverb already, then yes, it’s one word.
Already and All Ready Synonyms
Already
- Previously done
- Completed
- Prepared
All Ready
- Ready to go
- Arranged
- All set
How to Use All Ready in a Sentence
- Are you all ready to go on the trip? We must leave this house in ten minutes, or we’ll miss the plane.
- I think we’re all ready for the presentation now.
- My son’s soccer team is all ready for the big game tomorrow. They’ve been practicing for weeks!
- Are the kids all ready for bed? It’s been a long day.
- I’m all ready for the exam tomorrow.
- Is everyone all ready for the meeting? We need to start in a few minutes.
- We’ve got the music, the food, and the drinks, so I think the party is all ready to go.
- The company is all ready to launch the new product next week.
- I’m all ready for the concert tonight. I’m excited to watch my daughter perform her first piano recital.
How to Use Already in a Sentence
- I have already finished my homework, so I can now relax for the rest of the evening.
- Mom has already left for work, so you won’t be able to see her until later.
- No, you’ve already eaten breakfast, so you don’t need anything else right now.
- They’ve already decided on a date for the party; they can’t change it now.
- I already told you; I’m not interested in buying that product, so stop sending me emails.
- He already knows the answer to the question, so there’s no need to explain it again.
- I can’t believe it’s already time for lunch.
- The movie has already started, so we must hurry if we don’t want to miss any of it.
- I’ve already read that book, so I don’t need to borrow it from the library again.
Are You All Ready to Use the Right Term?
The trick to remembering the difference is to add the ‘are’ to all ready. All are ready clearly shows what the phrase means, so you don’t get it mixed up with already. That’s what I do. Anyway, I hope it helps you!