Everything vs. Every Thing — What's the Difference?

"Everything" is a single word that functions as a pronoun in the English language. It is a holistic term, denoting the entirety or totality of things, without focusing on individual elements. For example, saying "Everything is ready" indicates a collective readiness. In contrast, "Every Thing" comprises two words: "every" (an adjective) and "thing" (a noun). This distinction emphasizes individuality among the elements or items being referred to.

The nuance between "Everything" and "Every Thing" can be better understood contextually. In a situation where someone mentions, "Everything is on the table," it conveys that all the required items, collectively, are on the table. However, if one says, "Every Thing is on the table," the emphasis shifts to each specific item, implying individual acknowledgment of all items.

Grammatically speaking, "Everything" is often used when the focus isn't on distinguishing each item but rather on indicating a complete set or the whole. "Every Thing," on the other hand, serves to underline and highlight every single entity or item in a group, stressing their individual presence.

In casual conversations, "Everything" is more commonly used because of its broad and all-encompassing nature. "Every Thing" is less frequently employed, but when it is, it's typically in scenarios requiring clarity or emphasis on individual components rather than the group as a whole.