Is It Every Time or Everytime? (A Full Guide)

Without letting you strain your brain,  let’s clear the air. “Every time” is the undisputed champion, the Muhammad Ali of the two-word phrase ring.

“Everytime,” on the other hand, is like a plucky underdog, sometimes sneaking into sentences but ultimately deemed incorrect by the dictionary gods.

Think of it like the evil twin who borrows your clothes and tries to pass as you at family gatherings. But not to worry, we’ll expose this impostor and send it packing – back to the realm of typos and grammatical errors where it belongs!

READ ALSO: Exploring The Past Tense of Seek

Here’s Why “Every Time” Reigns Supreme

1. Tradition: It’s been around for centuries, used by Shakespeare himself and countless other literary titans. You wouldn’t want to break the chain of linguistic lineage, would you?

2. Formal settings: If you’re writing an essay, crafting a business email, or channeling your inner Hemingway, “every time” is the classier choice. It shows you know your grammar game and adds a touch of sophistication.

So, Why Does “Everytime” Even Pop Up?

Well, like most language quirks, it has a history. Back in the old days (think dusty scrolls and quill pens), some folks did write it as one word.

But over time, as the language evolved, “every time” became the preferred and accepted form. It just rolls off the tongue better, doesn’t it? It’s like the difference between “ice cream” and “ice cream” – one feels smoother, more natural.

Now, You Might Be Thinking

“Okay, I get it, ‘Everytime’ is bad. But when do I use ‘every time’?” That’s a great question! This trusty duo acts as an adverbial phrase, meaning it modifies a verb to tell us how often something happens.

So, You’d Use “Every Time” When You Want To Say Things Like

“He smiles “every time” he sees a puppy.” (Melts your heart, doesn’t it?)

“I lose my keys “every time” I’m in a hurry.” (We’ve all been there…)

“The car sputters “every time” I go uphill.” (Uh oh, maybe time for a tune-up!)

“Every time” is everywhere – in books, songs, even casual conversation.

Remember, it’s your go-to phrase for expressing frequency, like a reliable little workhorse in the sentence-building stable.

READ ALSO: How To Understand The Plural of Calf

“Every Time” Can Be Used in Both The Past Simple and Present Perfect Tense.

1. Past simple: This emphasizes repeated past actions and their completed outcomes.

Examples:

Every time I called her, she ignored me. This happened multiple times in the past and is now finished.

She told me that every time she saw a shooting star, she made a wish. This describes a past habit.

2. Present perfect: This emphasizes the accumulated experience of repetition throughout the past, sometimes extending to the present.

Example:

I have cooked her favorite dish every time she comes over for dinner. This refers to a repeated action that still holds in the present.

Every time he has failed, he has gotten better. This highlights the ongoing impact of past repetitions.

Here Are More Use Cases “Every Time” in Different Contexts:

“Every time” I went to the library, I would browse the history section. (Repeated action in the past)

They argued every time they saw each other, like the characters in a classic novel. (Repeated events within a story)

Every time a participant completed the task, they received a reward. (Action in a research study)

Remember, the tense you choose for “every time” depends on the specific meaning you want to convey about the repeated actions and their relation to the present.

So, Where Does This Leave Us?

Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you’re aiming for clarity and formality, stick to “every time.” If you’re feeling playful or want to experiment with rhythm, “Everytime” might be your jam. Just remember, use it sparingly and with awareness.

READ ALSO: How to Use the Plural of Buffalo in Everyday Conversation

Final Thoughts

The mystery of “Everytime” vs. “Every time” is solved. Now you know it’s “Every time” and not “Everytime” And hey, if you ever stumble across “Everytime” again, don’t freak out! Just give it a friendly wink and remind it, “Not today, impostor, not today!”