English Reference

already vs all ready

Already marks time to show something happened sooner than expected, while all ready describes a subject that is completely prepared.

already

happened before now or sooner than expected

I have already finished the report even though the deadline is tomorrow.

all ready

completely prepared or set to go

The students are all ready for their final exams after weeks of studying.

Watch out

  • She has all ready seen that film three times this week.

    She has already seen that film three times this week.

  • The team is already for the kickoff at three o'clock.

    The team is all ready for the kickoff at three o'clock.

Remember Already = Time. All ready = Prepared.

Quick check

Fill the gap with one of the two options.

  1. 1.

    By the time we arrived at the theater, the movie had started.

  2. 2.

    Once you have your passport and bags, we will be to leave.

More like this in Grammar and structure.