What is the Correct Form: Every Time or Everytime?
The correct and standard form in modern English is “every time,” written as two separate words. “Everytime,” written as one word, is generally considered incorrect in formal writing.
While “everytime” occasionally appears in song lyrics, casual texts, or informal online comments, it is not accepted in professional, academic, or standard English contexts.
The distinction is based on grammar structure, as “every” is an adjective that modifies the noun “time,” and standard grammar rules keep them separate.
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Why is “Every Time” the Correct Form?
In English grammar, “every” functions as a determiner, and “time” is a countable noun. Determiners are always placed before nouns to show frequency, quantity, or specificity.
When we say “every time,” we mean “each instance” or “each occasion.” This construction requires the words to be separate because they do not form a compound word like “everyone” or “everything,” where the meaning shifts into a new single concept.
Research in applied linguistics shows that compound words in English evolve naturally when two words frequently occur together in a fixed context and form a meaning distinct from their parts.
“Every time” has not undergone this shift in standard usage, which is why formal grammar authorities like the Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, and Cambridge English all list it as two words.
Has “Everytime” Ever Been Correct?
Historically, English spelling was far less standardized than it is today. In older manuscripts, you might find “everytime” used sporadically, but these occurrences were inconsistent and often reflected regional spelling differences rather than an accepted rule.
Modern English grammar and spelling reforms in the 18th and 19th centuries firmly established “every time” as the correct form. The only widely recognized exception today is in stylistic or creative contexts, especially in music and branding.
For example, “Everytime” appears in the titles of songs by Britney Spears and Ariana Grande, where artistic license allows for nonstandard spellings. However, this usage does not carry over into academic essays, professional reports, or other formal documents.
How to Use “Every Time” Correctly in a Sentence
When using “every time,” you are usually indicating that something happens on each occasion or without exception. To understand it better, here are four varied examples:
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Habitual Actions: “Every time I visit my grandmother, she makes her famous apple pie.”
This means without fail, on each visit, the same event occurs. -
Cause and Effect: “Every time the team works together, they produce better results.”
This suggests a consistent outcome whenever the event happens. -
Warning or Caution: “You risk injury every time you ignore safety instructions.”
Here, it emphasizes the recurring possibility of harm. -
Emotional Reactions: “Every time I hear that song, I remember my childhood.”
This shows a repeated emotional response triggered by the same stimulus.
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Common Mistakes When Using “Every Time”
One frequent error is confusing it with “everyday,” which is a single word meaning “ordinary” or “routine.” For example, “These shoes are for everyday wear” is correct, but saying “I wear these shoes everyday I go to work” is incorrect.
In that sentence, you should write “every day” because you are referring to each individual day. Similarly, “every time” should never be merged unless you are intentionally using nonstandard spelling for creative effect.
Another mistake is overusing it in sentences where simpler phrasing works better. For example, instead of saying “Every time when I was young, we visited the park,” it is more grammatically precise to say “Whenever I was young, we visited the park,” though “every time” is still correct.
Why “Every Time” Matters in Professional Writing
Maintaining correct spelling is essential for credibility. Studies in communication and linguistics show that readers subconsciously judge a writer’s expertise and attention to detail based on grammar accuracy.
Using “everytime” in a business proposal, research paper, or job application could give the impression of carelessness. Professional editors consistently recommend “every time” for any formal or public-facing text.
In SEO writing, “every time” is also the preferred keyword form because search engines prioritize standard spellings when indexing pages.
While “everytime” will return search results, its volume is lower and less authoritative. This means that if you are writing web content intended to rank well, sticking to “every time” improves both credibility and discoverability.
Graphical Guide to Remember the Difference
Two Words = Correct
Every + Time = Each Occasion
One Word = Incorrect in Standard English
Everytime = Acceptable only in creative, informal, or branded use
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Variations and Related Expressions
Understanding “every time” also helps in mastering similar constructions:
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Every day vs Everyday – “Every day” means “each day,” while “everyday” means “ordinary.”
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Every one vs Everyone – “Every one” emphasizes individuality (“Every one of the students passed”), while “everyone” means “all people.”
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Any time vs Anytime – “Any time” is the formal version, while “anytime” is now widely accepted in informal contexts.
-
Some time vs Sometime – “Some time” means “a period,” while “sometime” means “at an unspecified moment.”
These comparisons show that English often merges word pairs over time, but only after widespread acceptance and semantic change. “Every time” has not yet crossed that threshold.
How to Decide Quickly Between “Every Time” and “Everytime”
Ask yourself if you could replace it with “each occasion.” If the sentence still makes sense, you are dealing with “every time” and should keep it as two words.
For instance, “Each occasion I travel to the coast, I feel relaxed” works in place of “Every time I travel to the coast, I feel relaxed.”
If you cannot make the substitution naturally, then “everytime” is not correct either, and another word choice might be needed.
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FAQ on “Every Time” vs “Everytime”
Q1: Is “everytime” in the dictionary?
Yes, but it is usually marked as nonstandard or informal. Most dictionaries recommend “every time” for correct usage.
Q2: Can I use “everytime” in marketing copy?
Yes, if it fits your brand style and audience. Just remember that it is a stylistic choice, not a grammatical standard.
Q3: Is it wrong to use “everytime” in a personal letter?
In informal contexts, no one will likely object, but for formal writing, always use “every time.”
Q4: Do British and American English differ on this?
No. Both British and American English treat “every time” as the correct form.
Q5: Why is “everytime” common in song lyrics?
Songwriters often prioritize rhythm, rhyme, or aesthetic style over strict grammar rules. This is why nonstandard spellings appear more often in music than in prose.
Q6: Is “everytime” becoming more accepted over time?
While informal use has grown in social media and creative writing, professional and academic standards remain firmly in favor of “every time.”