Difference Between Already and All Ready

Sometimes, when we are writing a sentence, we come across some identical words. They seem to be alike, both in spelling and pronunciation and the problem arises that, which word should be used?

There are many such words in the English language which create such confusion.

‘All Ready’ and ‘Already’ are one of those, in which most people get confused or simply don’t know which one to use for their sentence. They both might seem to be similar but, they are not the same- both carry different meanings.

In layman’s language if we define ‘Already’, it simply means something prior or before the present time. On the other hand, if we talk about ‘All Ready’, it shows the total readiness or something completely ready.

Though, both the words sound and spell identical, both have different meanings and thus cannot be used as synonyms. We must understand- when and where, which one is to be used to make a perfect sentence.

Key Takeaways

1. “Already” is an adverb that denotes something that has happened before a specified time or earlier than expected.
2. “All ready” is a phrase that means everything or everyone is prepared for a particular event or action.
3. Using “already” and “all ready” correctly is crucial for clear communication, with “already” indicating a past or completed action and “all ready” expressing a state of preparedness.

Already vs All Ready

The difference between Already and All Ready is that “Already” refers that something has been done before the current time while all ready refers that everything or everyone is all set for something. Already is used in an affirmative or interrogative sentence and all ready can be used in all sentences.

Examples: Already – Have you already done your homework? All ready – I’m all ready for the dance show.

Let’s take a look at the table and information below to master these two different terms -‘Already’ and ‘All Ready’.

Comparison Table

Parameter of Comparison	Already	All Ready
Meaning	Before or by now.	Completely ready.
Word	Already is a single word.	All Ready are actually two words used together- all and ready.
Synonym	Previously, prior, before now, etc.	Totally ready. (no particular synonym as there are two different word)
Antonym	Later, in future, sometime else etc.	Not ready. (no particular antonym as there are two different word)
Adverb	Already is an adverb.	All Ready is not an adverb.
Example	“I have already done my work”.	“I’m all ready for the party”.

What is Already?

Already is an adverb. As per the WordNet Already means,” prior to a specified or implied time.” As already shows something completed or done in past or prior to the time concerned.

We use already to show that something has happened, or that something had happened before the moment we are referring to. It shows that a situation exists at this present moment or that it exists at an earlier time than expected.

You can also use “Already” to add emphasis. In simple words, “Already” describes something that you are done with. Let’s study a few examples below to see how we use ‘Already’ in a sentence -:

1. It is already dark outside.
2. She knew the story already.
3. Sam has already completed his work.
4. The government is already working to promote startups.
5. He is already working on a new project.

What is All Ready?

‘All Ready’ is not a word itself, it is two words used together simultaneously – ‘All’ and ‘Ready’. Which means everything ready, completely ready, totally ready.

It just describes the word “Ready” in a better way and shows the magnitude of readiness.

It can be used instead of just using ‘ready’, to increase the emphasis of the sentence spoken or written. In a sentence, you can actually replace ‘All ready’ with just ‘ready’ without much affecting the meaning of the sentence.

Here is an example – “I’m all ready for the trip”.

Now just replace ‘All ready’ with ‘ready’, and the new sentence will be – “I’m ready for the trip”. Now you see the meaning of the sentence remains the same, however, the emphasis on readiness reduces in the second sentence.

Also, when you speak both the sentences, you will feel more enthusiasm in the first sentence compared to the second one. Now, let’s take a look at some examples to know the use of ‘all ready’ in sentences.

Here are a few examples:

1. I’m all ready for the match.
2. All ready for today’s math class?
3. Boxer is all ready for the fight.
4. The company is all ready to touch $1billion in revenue.
5. Managers are all ready for the presentation.
6. Promoters are all ready to announce the success of the company.
7. People are all ready for the Christmas celebration.

Main Differences Between Already and All Ready

1. Already is an indicator of an event done in the past. While All ready shows that everything is ready in the present.
2. Already is an adverb while All ready is not an adverb.
3. Already is the event that has happened. One the other hand, all ready is complete readiness for a future event.
4. Already is a single word. While all ready are two different words used together but not as one.
5. Already does not show any readiness or has very little to do with the literal meaning of ‘Ready’. But all ready shows, a complete readiness, and deals with the literal meaning of ‘ready’.

References

1. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/already
2. https://brians.wsu.edu/2016/05/16/all-ready-already/