Already vs All Ready: Find out the Difference Between These Words

If you’re looking for all the details about already vs all ready, then you’re in the right place. We’re going to give you the rundown on the key differences between these two words. Also, find out whether or not allready is really a word (hint: it’s not!).

Already vs All Ready: Listening/pronunciation tip

“All ready” is usually spoken with a slower speed and longer expression. “Already” has a soft “l” and flows faster.

All Ready Definition

Definition of All Ready: A phrase that means completely prepared for something. Generally speaking, “all ready” is about present or future situations.

Use All Ready in a Sentence

• As soon as I put my jacket on, I’ll be all ready to go.
• All ready? Get in the car then.
• If you’re all ready to go, then let’s get out of here! The movie won’t wait for us.
• Are you all ready to go? Did you pack everything on the list?

What about allready?

Please note that “allready” is not a word! The correct use is all ready.

Not correct: 

• I’ve all ready done my homework.
• She’s allready done her homework.

Already: Definition, Usages, and Examples

An adverb that describes something that happened before a certain point in time. Already is about a task or tasks or something that is completed or in the past.

Examples: 

• What? We’re not going? I already have my shoes on.
• I’ve already taken out the trash. You don’t have to.
• Have you already brushed your teeth and put on your shoes? Is that why you’re watching TV right now?
• When they pulled up the fishing net, the turtle was already dead.

Not correct:

• Are you already to go?

I have already vs I already have

Both are correct, but they don’t mean the same thing. Read the examples to understand the difference between I have already and I already have.

I have already in a sentence

• I have already responded to the email.
• I have already tried that flavour.
• I have already submitted my homework.

I already have in a sentence

• I already have the same skirt at home.
• I already have two chocolate bars, and I don’t need anymore.
• I already have the book with me.

All Ready vs Already Practice

Try these practice exercises:

1. Why are you watching TV? Have you _____ done your homework?
2. Tom is _____ for you now. Please go in.
3. Please make sure the kids are _____ for 8:30 when I pick them up.
4. If you’ve _____ signed up for the online system, please ignore this email.
5. The flowers are _____ blooming. It’s one month early though.
6. Oh, no thanks. I’ve _____ eaten lunch.

All Ready vs Already Answers

1. already
2. all ready
3. all ready
4. already
5. already
6. already

Speaking Practice: Already vs All Ready

After checking your fill-in-the-blank answers, try speaking each sentence to a friend. Or, record yourself speaking each sentence on your smartphone. Then listen and see if your pronunciation is clear and easy to understand.

Want to Find Out More?

You can find hundreds of confusing English words and word pairs in this book: Most Confusing Words in English Explained. Pick up a copy and ace your next TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS exam! Find out everything you need to know about it right here:

More Confusing Words in English

Check out some more confusing English words:

effect and affect

adverse and averse

they’re, their, and there

accept and except

little, a little, and small 

advice and advise 

FAQs About Already vs All Ready

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about already vs all ready.

What does all ready mean?

All ready means completely prepared. You can use all ready and ready interchangeably. Yet, all ready sounds more firm and emphasizing than simply saying ready. You can use either depending on the desired tone.

Can you use all ready and already interchangeably?

No, you can’t use all ready and already interchangeably. All ready means completely ready or prepared, and already describes something that happened before or prior to a specified time.

What type of word is already?

Already is an adverb that describes something that happened by a certain point in time. It can also be used as an intensive.

Already vs All Ready: Join the Conversation

Do you have any tips or tricks for remembering the difference between these two words? What are other English words that are confusing to ESL students? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API