Pearson
Adult Learning Centre: Tips for Writers by Brad Hyde
An Everyday Every Day
The misuse of the adverb," every day," and its adjective form, "everyday," "heads our department list as the most abused word," says English teacher Sheryl Danilowitz in Warren Clements' column, "More Inductees into the Hall of Shame."What is the difference?
It's an everyday
requirement that teachers take attendance in their classes.
In fact, teachers must take attendance every day.
I hope you can spot the difference between the two. Note that in the first sentence, "requirement" is a noun. What does "everyday" do to that noun?
And "must take" clearly acts as verb in the second sentence, and "every day" tells the manner in which teachers take their attendance.
Practice will help you avoid making a contribution to the "hall of shame"!
In fact, teachers must take attendance every day.
I hope you can spot the difference between the two. Note that in the first sentence, "requirement" is a noun. What does "everyday" do to that noun?
And "must take" clearly acts as verb in the second sentence, and "every day" tells the manner in which teachers take their attendance.
Practice will help you avoid making a contribution to the "hall of shame"!
(January 31, 2011)
See
our most recent tips
Tips
from November 2001 to April 2002
Tips
from September 2000 to October 2001
Tips
from January to August 2000
Tips from January to December 1999
Resources for
Adults Completing
High School