What is everything? Pronunciation and usage in English

everything means . Learn how to pronounce and use everything through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of everything

everythingpronoun

/ˈɛvrɪθɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of everything

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "everything" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word "everything" is actually made up of two words:

  • every - pronounced like "ev" (rhymes with "heaven") + "er-ee" (the long "e" sound)
  • thing - pronounced like "thing" (as in, a physical object)

2. Putting it Together:

  • "Ev" + "er-ee" - This part is pretty straightforward. Just say "ev" followed by the elongated "er-ee" sound.
  • "Thing" – Say this like you would normally say the word "thing."

3. The tricky part: The "v" sound

  • The "v" in "everything" is often dropped in American English. It's pronounced like "ee-very-thing." It's a very common and natural variation.

4. Full Pronunciation (with “v”):

[ɪˈvɛrɪˌθɪŋ] (This is the more “correct” pronunciation, if you want to be very precise.)

5. Common Pronunciation (without “v” - American English):

[iˈvɛrɪˌθɪŋ] (This is how most Americans pronounce it.)

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • i – like the “i” in “bit”
  • ˈ – This symbol indicates a stressed syllable (it’s the loudest part of the word).
  • v – (often dropped)
  • ɛ – like the “e” in “bed” (a short “e” sound)
  • r – a light “r” sound (not a strong, rolled “r”)
  • ɪ – like the “i” in “bit”
  • θ – This is the "th" sound as in "thin." It's a voiceless dental fricative.
  • ŋ – This is the “ng” sound as in “sing.”

Resources to help you hear it:

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from (what English dialect are you familiar with)? (e.g., American, British, Australian)

Usage and examples with the word everything in English

Let's break down how to use the word "everything" effectively in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. As a General Pronoun (Referring to All Things)

This is the most common use. "Everything" means all of the things related to a particular subject or situation.

  • Example: "I lost my keys. Everything is gone!" (Meaning: all my belongings, all my possessions, everything important to me.)
  • Example: "Everything was beautiful at the beach - the sand, the sun, the waves."
  • Example: "He studied everything for the exam." (Meaning: all the material, all the topics.)

2. With Negative Expressions (Emphasizing Lack)

"Everything" is very common when expressing a negative – frustration, disappointment, or a feeling of completeness of something undesirable. This is a key aspect of its usage.

  • Example: "Everything was terrible! The food was cold, the service was slow, and the movie was boring." (You're emphasizing that all aspects of the experience were bad.)
  • Example: "Everything went wrong today." (Meaning: all the things that could possibly go wrong, did.)
  • Example: "Don't worry, everything will be okay." (Meaning: all the problems and difficulties will be resolved.)

3. As Part of Idioms & Phrases

“Everything” appears in several useful idioms:

  • “Everything and the kitchen sink”: This means a collection of random and often unnecessary things. "He threw everything and the kitchen sink at the project."
  • “Everything’s fine”: A common response to a question about how someone is doing, meant to reassure.
  • “Not everything is as it seems”: Meaning things aren't what they appear to be; there's more to the story.

4. Using "Everything" with Verbs (Less Common, but Important)

You can use "everything" after certain verbs, particularly those that describe a sweeping action:

  • “I’ve done everything I can.” (Meaning: I have done all that is possible.)
  • “They’ve spent everything they have.” (Meaning: They have used up all their money.)
  • “He’s given everything to the cause.” (Meaning: He has devoted all of his time, effort, and resources.)

Important Notes & Considerations:

  • Capitalization: “Everything” is not capitalized unless it's the first word of a sentence.

  • Formal vs. Informal: While "everything" is perfectly fine in everyday conversation, in very formal writing, you might consider using phrases like "all" or "all of the items" for a slightly more polished feel. However, "everything" is widely accepted in most contexts.

  • Contrast with "Something": "Everything" is the opposite of "something." “Something” implies at least one thing; “everything” implies all things.

Let's Practice!

Try rewriting these sentences using “everything” where it fits best:

  1. The room was a mess, with clothes, books, and papers everywhere.
  2. I tried my best to finish the project, but it was difficult.
  3. The weather was awful – rain, wind, and cold.

Answers:

  1. “Everything in the room was a mess.”
  2. “I’ve done everything I can to finish the project.”
  3. “Everything about the weather was awful – rain, wind, and cold.”

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific nuance of "everything" in more detail?
  • Practice other related vocabulary (like "all," "everything," and "nothing")?

Synonyms for the word everything

Idioms of the word everything

and everything
(informal)and so on; and other similar things
  • Have you got his name and address and everything?
  • She told me about the baby and everything.

Practice with vocabulary everything

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Before the big presentation, she double-checked ______ from the slide deck to the microphone setup.
  2. If you want to improve your public speaking, you need to practice, learn from feedback, and read ______ you can about effective communication.
  3. Did you find ______ of the missing documents, or are some still unaccounted for?
  4. The new project manager meticulously reviewed ______ of the budget reports to identify discrepancies.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After the successful product launch, the team felt that their hard work had been worth ______. a) all b) anything c) everything d) something

  2. To master a new language, you should try to immerse yourself in it by listening to native speakers, reading books, and watching films. What aspects should you focus on? a) every single detail b) all the details c) everything d) anything relevant

  3. The consultant advised the startup to focus on customer satisfaction, saying that ______ else would follow naturally from there. a) something b) all c) everything d) anything

  4. Before signing the contract, it's crucial to read ______ clause carefully to avoid future misunderstandings. a) all b) every c) complete d) much

  5. I couldn't find ______ information about the new policy; the website seems to be down. a) something b) anything c) nothing d) everything

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to take all the necessary precautions before starting this risky experiment. Rewrite using "everything" or a related word form.

  2. She possesses skills across many different areas, making her a versatile team member. Rewrite using "everything" or a related word form.

  3. The IT department checked all the individual components of the server to ensure it was running smoothly. Rewrite without using "everything".

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. everything
  2. everything
  3. any
  4. each

Exercise 2:

  1. c) everything
  2. a) every single detail, b) all the details, c) everything
  3. c) everything
  4. b) every
  5. b) anything

Exercise 3:

  1. We need to take every precaution before starting this risky experiment. OR We need to take care of everything before starting this risky experiment.
  2. She is skilled at everything, making her a versatile team member. OR She possesses skills in everything, making her a versatile team member.
  3. The IT department checked every individual component of the server to ensure it was running smoothly.

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