Adjectives

“All ready” vs. “Already”

Adjectives, Adverbs, Versus

I sometimes see “all ready” where “already” is required.

Problem:
“All ready” is an adjectival phrase whereas “already” is an adverb.

Explanation:
The adjectival phrase “all ready” means entirely ready.

For example, “He was all ready to leave for Argentina.” means “He was entirely ready to leave for Argentina.”

The adverb “already” means either previously or now or so soon.

For example, “He already had left for Argentina.” means “He previously had left for Argentina.”

And “He is already here in Argentina.” means “He is now here in Argentina.”.

Solution:
Use “all ready” when you mean entirely ready. Use “already” when you mean previously or now or so soon.

“Wood” vs. “Wooden”

Adjectives, Nouns, Versus

I wondered the other day whether both of these words are adjectives.

Problem:
One of them looks more like an adjective than the other one does.

Explanation:
The primary definition of “wood” as an adjective is made of wood.

The primary definition of the adjective “wooden” is made of wood.

The secondary definition of “wood” as an adjective is wooden.

The secondary definition of the adjective “wooden” is wood.

In other words, “wood” as an adjective is interchangeable with “wooden”, despite the fact that “wooden” looks more like an adjective than does “wood” (which also is a noun).

Solution:
Don’t worry about which word to use as an adjective; they mean the same thing.

“Classic” vs. “Classical”

Adjectives, Common English Blunders, Versus

I frequently see one of these used when the other is required.

Problem:
The adjectives “classic” and “classical” are best not treated as synonyms.

Explanation:
The adjective “classic” means of the highest quality or class.

The most common definitions of the adjective “classical” are pertaining to Greek and Roman antiquity, consistent with classicism, and, in music, pertaining to the most enduring types of music.

So a classical song typically is classic, but not all classic songs are classical.

Solution:
Use “classical” when referring to antiquity or music. Use “classic” when referring to something of highest quality.