Four Sets of Words Often Confused

There are four pairs of words that people often confuse. They are as follows:

your and you're
its and it's
alright and all right
everyday and every day

The word your means belonging to you. The word you're is a contraction for you are. Here are examples:

This is your umbrella and this other one is mine.
I must admit you're right.

The word its means belonging to it. The word it's is a contraction for it is. Here are examples:

The puppy lost its way home.
It's unusually cold outdoors.

The word alright does not formally exist. Those who use this word may believe it means all right. Even though alright does not exist, it's becoming more and more acceptable with the passage of time. I would recommend that if you're an unknown writer, you use the two words to mean that everything is OK.

The word everyday means common or ordinary. The words every day mean all of the days. Here are some examples:

He wore his everyday clothing to the important job interview.
Helen tried to eat healthfully every day.

Here is a conversation that helps make the meanings of these words more clear.

Jim: Hello Mary, you're looking very pretty today.
Mary: Thanks, Jim. What makes today special?
Jim: You look pretty every day, of course, but, today, even more so.
Mary: What's making the difference?
Jim: Maybe is it's the dress you're wearing.
Mary: Oh, this is one of my everyday dresses. Maybe it's my hat.
Jim: Yes, I think that may be it. I like the way its color matches your dress.
Mary: I'm glad you think so, Jim. I wondered if it would be all right when I bought it.
Jim: It definitely is. I think your choice was a good one.
Mary: Thanks for saying that.
Jim: It's a lovely day, Mary. Would you like to take a walk?
Mary: Yes, you're right. It is lovely. I like your idea.
Jim: How much time do you have?
Mary: Only a few minutes. I'm due at work, but it may be all right to be a little late.
Jim: I've noticed that you're on time for work almost every day.
Mary: Yes, it's an everyday goal of mine. Being on time is one of the important rules of the company in its handbook.
Jim: Let us walk fast so you won't be late.
Mary: Yes, Jim. Let's!