All ready vs. Already

Table of Contents

“All ready” = All are ready.

“Already” = by a certain time, often in the past.

All ready

The clue to “all ready” is the word “all” meaning “everyone.” (Everyone is ready.)

Already

The single word “already” refers to something accomplished in the past.

Examples:

• Are they all ready?
  • (Is everyone ready?)
• They left already.
  • (They aren’t here anymore.)
• The turkey is cooked, the dressing is baked, the potatoes are mashed, and the salad is tossed. I think it’s all ready. Come and get it!
  • (All the food is prepared.)
• Did you bake the pie already?
  • (Has the pie been cooked?)

Credits: Photo by Nicolas COMTE, Photo by Jonathan Chng on Unsplash