What is the difference between “all ready” and “already”?

Answer: “All ready” means fully prepared, while “already” refers to something that has happened before a specific time.

The phrases “all ready” and “already” are often confused due to their similar pronunciation, but they have distinct meanings and uses in English grammar.

1. All Ready:
   • Meaning: The term “all ready” is a phrase that means completely prepared or in a state of readiness. It refers to the readiness of all components or elements involved.
   • Usage: “All ready” is used when every part of something, or everyone involved, is prepared for an action or event. It emphasizes the collective readiness of people, objects, or circumstances.
   • Example: “We were all ready to leave for the vacation at dawn,” indicates that everyone involved was fully prepared to depart.
2. Already:
   • Meaning: “Already” is an adverb that describes something as having occurred before a specific time or earlier than expected. It refers to actions or events that have happened in the past, relative to the current point of reference.
   • Usage: “Already” is used to indicate that something has happened earlier than now or before a certain point in time. It can express surprise that something has happened sooner than anticipated or confirm that an action has been completed.
   • Example: “She had already finished her homework when her friends called,” signifies that the action of finishing the homework occurred before the expected or mentioned time.