Some words, usually indefinite pronouns that are compound, are sometimes written as two words instead of one:
- everyone
- someone
- everything
- something
- nothing
- anyone
- anything
- sometimes (which is an adverb)
- sometime (adverb) / some time (adjective and noun)
- anymore (adverb)/any more (adjective and adverb)
When you write them as two words (every one), they become pronouns or nouns preceded by an adjective: every one (Every is an adjective here, modifying one.)
Sometimes (there’s one right there) these words should be written as one word, but in some cases, they should be separated.
Everyone = all the people/every one = each one separately
Here are some examples of correct usage:
- Everyone is bringing only one suitcase.
- Every one of you should pack only one suitcase.
- Someone is at the door.
- Some one is generally not used for anything.
- Everything in your garden is beautiful.
- Every little thing in your garden is perfect. (Everything is generally used unless there is a word separating.)
- Something is wrong with the dog.
- Some creepy thing is under the table. (Something is generally used unless there is a word separating.)
- Nothing is wrong.
- No little thing will stop me. (Nothing is generally used unless there is a word separating.)
- Is anyone there?
- Any one of you can easily accomplish this.
- She thinks she can do anything.
- She complains about any little thing. (Anything is generally used unless there is a word separating.)
- Sometimes I just feel like reading all day.
- Some times are just better than others.
- Come visit me sometime.
- I will come spend some time with you.
- I don’t ski anymore.
- Is there any more pie?
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Arlene, what about “all right” and “alright”? When should each of these words be used?
All right is used all the time; alright is slang and not really a word, even though it is commonly used! So there is no difference in meaning.
When I was at school (many, many moons ago) I remember my English teacher explaining that if the words can be separated, especially by an intervening word, or used separately, then should be written as two m=words.
So “Would you like any more tea?” could be, “Would you like more tea?”
We say, “I don’t want to do it anymore.” and we can’t say, “I don’t want to do it more.” So that remains as one word,
Good info. Thanks. Yeah I knew the part about the intervening words, but just figured I would show it in the examples. I don’t remember learning anything about this in school.