Both look almost the same, but they say different things. Here is one sentence with both: We are all ready because we have already packed.
- Already (one word) means by now or before now.
- All ready (two words) means everyone or everything is prepared.
Already: by now
Use already (one word) when something has happened earlier than expected, or by now.
I've already finished my homework.
Mia was already at school when I arrived.
Is it Friday already?
We've already eaten all the biscuits.
It often shows that something happened sooner than you thought: Is it time to go already?
All ready: everyone is prepared
Use all ready (two words) when all of the people or things are ready.
We are all ready to go.
The pizzas are all ready on the table.
Are you all ready for the test?
The team is all ready for the match.
All is a describing word, and ready is how they are. The two words belong together, but each does its own job.
Easy way to tell them apart
Try replacing it with totally ready:
- Does totally ready fit? Use all ready (two words). We are totally ready = We are all ready.
- Does totally ready sound wrong? Use already (one word). I have totally ready eaten makes no sense, so it's I have already eaten.
Another check: can you say all of us are ready? If yes, it's two words.
💡 The OddLingo Trick
All ready = all of us are ready. Already = by now.
If you can add of us or of them after all, it's two words: We are all (of us) ready. If you can't, it's one word: already.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Prepared? Two words.
❌ We are already to go.
✅ We are all ready to go.
By now? One word.
❌ I have all ready eaten lunch.
✅ I have already eaten lunch.
Sooner than expected? One word.
❌ Is it Friday all ready?
✅ Is it Friday already?
Good to know
This is the same kind of puzzle as everyday vs every day and awhile vs a while: one word and two words that look alike but do different jobs.
💬 In a conversation
Sam: Are you all ready for the picnic?
Mia: We're all ready.
Sam: Have you packed the sandwiches?
Mia: Already done.
Sam: And the drinks?
Mia: Already finished. Sorry.