All Ears English Podcast Summary: Episode 2389 – "Everyday English You Should Use Every Day"

Introduction

In Episode 2389 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsey McMahon and Aubrey Carter delve into the nuanced differences between the phrases "every day," "everyday," and "every single day." Released on April 10, 2025, this episode targets intermediate to advanced ESL learners aiming to refine their understanding and usage of everyday American English expressions. Inspired by a listener’s inquiry, Lindsey and Aubrey provide insightful explanations, practical examples, and cultural context to help learners navigate these commonly confused terms.

Understanding "Every Day" vs. "Everyday"

Lindsey opens the discussion by posing a fundamental question: “When should you use the term every day? And how does it change when it becomes an adjective or when you change it to every single day?” (00:59). This sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the phrases.

1. "Every day" (Two Words) – Meaning "Each Day"

   • Definition & Usage: When written as two separate words, "every day" functions as an adjective and noun combination, meaning "each day."

   • Examples:

     • “I have to do laundry every day.” (05:47)
     • “Every day, I try to do some kind of exercise.” (05:54)

   • Real-Life Application: Aubrey shares her routine, stating, “Every day I take my dog for a walk because he needs to get out. He needs the exercise and I need the exercise as well.” (01:55)

2. "Everyday" (One Word) – Meaning "Common" or "Routine"

   • Definition & Usage: When combined into one word, "everyday" is an adjective that describes something as ordinary, routine, or commonly occurring.

   • Examples:

     • “This is kind of an ordinary, everyday dress.” (06:20)
     • “It’s a fun, everyday activity to just walk over here and hang out.” (15:35)

   • Common Mistakes: Lindsey points out that even native speakers often mistakenly write "everyday" as two separate words, not realizing the slight spelling difference (06:32). Aubrey adds, “By knowing this, guys, you'll be ahead of the game, ahead of probably 50 or 60% of native speakers.” (06:47)

Emphasizing with "Every Single Day"

The hosts then explore the phrase "every single day," which intensifies the meaning, indicating consistency or surprise that something occurs daily.

• Definition & Usage: Adds emphasis to the frequency, often expressing surprise or stressing the importance of the daily occurrence.

• Examples:

  • “Every single day, I have to do laundry or it will pile up.” (09:37)
  • “Do you check the mail every single day?” (10:23)

• Intonation Tips: Aubrey notes the significance of intonation in conveying emphasis, such as slowing down or stressing particular words to highlight the frequency (10:03).

Cultural Insights: "Everyday People" and Its Legacy

Lindsey enriches the episode with a cultural note on the phrase "everyday people," referencing the iconic 1968 song by Sly and the Family Stone.

• Historical Context: The song “Everyday People” delivered a powerful message against discrimination and racism, emphasizing equality with the lyrics “I am everyday people.” (07:24)

• Influence on Language: The phrase gave rise to the popular catchphrase "different strokes for different folks," which signifies accepting diverse opinions and preferences. Lindsey mentions, “That lyric has become a popular catchphrase... it's another way to say, agree to disagree.” (08:32)

• Television Influence: This cultural impact extended to media, inspiring the 1970s television series “Different Strokes,” illustrating how music and language intertwine with societal changes.

Practical Application: Role-Play at the Dog Park

To cement their explanations, Lindsey and Aubrey engage in a role-play scenario set at a dog park, demonstrating the correct usage of "every day" and "everyday."

• Scenario Overview:

  • Aubrey initiates the conversation: “Hey. Fancy seeing you here.” (13:09)
  • Lindsey responds with, “I love this park.” and explains her sporadic visits: “I don't come every single day, but pretty often.” (13:19)

• Demonstrated Usage:

  • “Every day, I bring kefir for my dog.” (13:12)
  • “It's a fun, everyday activity to just walk over here and hang out.” (14:03)

• Key Takeaways:

  • Contextual Usage: Highlighting routines versus describing common activities.
  • Intonation and Emphasis: Showing how slight changes in speech affect meaning.

Announcements and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, Lindsey and Aubrey intersperse valuable announcements about their new course, "Professional Level One," aimed at providing advanced business English skills through interviews with native speakers and practical business advice (03:11). They encourage listeners to join the early access list at allersenglish.com professional to stay updated.

Additionally, they emphasize the importance of community and connection in learning English, urging listeners to participate in their open conversation club and live speaking opportunities, fostering a supportive environment focused on communication rather than perfection.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Lindsey and Aubrey reinforce the significance of understanding and correctly using "every day," "everyday," and "every single day" to enhance everyday English proficiency. They highlight how mastering these terms not only improves language skills but also deepens cultural understanding and everyday interactions.

• Final Thoughts:
  • “These words every day can be tricky because they have two different meanings that are written slightly differently.” (17:27)
  • “It's not mundane, but it's because you learn what you have in common with people.” (17:44)

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their daily routines and share how they use these phrases, further connecting with the community and applying their newfound knowledge in real-life contexts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Lindsey McMahon [00:59]: “When should you use the term every day? And how does it change when it becomes an adjective or when you change it to every single day?”
• Aubrey Carter [01:55]: “Every day I take my dog for a walk because he needs to get out. He needs the exercise and I need the exercise as well.”
• Lindsey McMahon [06:32]: “It's a common native speaker spelling mistake.”
• Aubrey Carter [06:47]: “By knowing this, guys, you'll be ahead of the game, ahead of probably 50 or 60% of native speakers.”
• Lindsey McMahon [07:24]: “You probably have heard this song, but the lyrics were actually really powerful.”
• Aubrey Carter [10:03]: “Or do you check the mail every single day? Maybe once a week. Yeah. Wow.”

Resources and Further Learning

To enhance your learning experience, visit All Ears English to join the early access list for their professional courses, take the two-minute English level quiz at allearsenglish.com/fluency-score, and engage with the vibrant community focused on improving English through connection.

Closing Remarks

Lindsey and Aubrey thank their listeners for tuning in, reiterating their commitment to making English learning enjoyable and practical. They encourage everyone to subscribe, share their daily English stories, and continue striving for fluency with confidence.

Thank you for reading this summary of Episode 2389 of the All Ears English Podcast. For more engaging content and to improve your American English skills, subscribe to the podcast and join the global community of learners.